The Rama-Basha “clash” with video-selfie: a return to the '2017 Pact'/ EXPLAINED

Politiko.al

The online clash between Rama and Basha is being seen as a mutual attempt to help each other. It is a throwback to the 2017 campaign, when both of them jointly attacked Ilir Meta, leaving open the possibility of a grand PD-SP coalition. In the end, this led to the collapse of the PD and the increase of Ilir Meta to 19 mandates, from the four he had in the previous legislature. Meta ended up in the Presidency, while Basha lost.

Rama has political and electoral interests because by 'raising the ball' for Basha and considering him an opponent, he helps him win votes that are fleeing his real opponent, Sali Berisha. Lulzim Basha is currently only interested in remaining a minor player on the political scene. He is waiting and wishing for Berisha's failure in the May 11 elections and his transformation into a potential candidate to regain the reins of the opposition.

The simulation of the Rama-Basha debate once again raises suspicions about a pact between the two. Both benefit from this and the goal is to damage the Democratic Party.

The key question is: Will these videos translate into concrete actions (discussions on policies, participation in rallies) or will they remain just entertainment on social networks?

3. Tactical Risks and Opportunities for Each Candidate

Edi Rama

✅ Opportunities:
• Strengthens dominance in digital campaigns.
• Forces Basha to be reactive rather than leading the narrative.
• Attracts young voters through humor and sarcasm.

❌ Risks:
• May alienate older and more serious voters.
• If perceived as mocking rather than debating, may seem dismissive.
• May strengthen anti-government sentiment, if the public sees it as an avoidance of real issues.

➡️ General Forecast:
Rama is comfortable in this format, and as long as the public does not react negatively , this strategy will help him more than it will hurt him.

???? Lulzim Basha

✅ Opportunities:
• allows him to challenge Rama freshly and digitally.
• Helps him attract new voters, who previously might not have taken him seriously.
• If he moves from reactive to proactive, it could affect the course of the campaign.

❌ Risks:
• May appear more like a follower than a leader.
• Must ensure that he is not simply reacting to Rama, but is offering clear alternatives.
• May damage his credibility if perceived as a Rama imitator or as a candidate without serious substance.

➡️ General Forecast:
Basha needs to balance humor with serious messages. If he remains too reactive, it will reinforce the perception that Rama controls the narrative.

3. How the Opposition Reacts:

• If Berisha, Meta, or other parties use this as an opportunity to present themselves as a “serious alternative”, they could win votes from disappointed voters.

Final Prediction: Will This Strategy Affect the Election Outcome?

Short-term: Rama and Basha remain at the center of media and social media attention.
Medium-term: May mobilize new voters, but risks alienating serious voters.
Long-term: If it remains just entertainment on social media, voters may look for more substance, which would affect the election results.

Who Benefits Most? Currently, Rama. He has more experience in digital campaigns and is controlling the narrative.

Who Should Adapt? Basha. He must move from reacting to Rama to leading the discussion with concrete proposals.

Impact of Rama-Basha Video Strategy

Why are Rama and Basha using selfie videos?

• To engage young voters on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
• To avoid live televised debates and maintain control of the narrative.
• To create an image "closer to the people" through humor and irony.