 In April 1921, he took part in the founding in Vlora of the "Atdheu" (Fatherland) society and, when he founded "Bashkimi" (Unity) society on 13 October 1923, Rustemi was chosen for parliament with the support of Bajram Curri as deputy of HASI and came to lead the democratic forces of Fan Noli, Bajram Curri and Sulejman Delvina in an increasingly-bitter struggle with the conservative landowners under Ahmet Zogu.On 23 February 1924, Rustemi was involved in an attempt to assassinate Zogu.On April 20, 1924, he was shot in Durrës Road in Tirana by a miller called Jusuf Reçi, an agent of Zogu, and died two days later of his wounds.