OSCE warns Albania ahead of elections

16. March 2011.

The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) called on the leading parties in Albania to stop with mutual accusations and give their contribution so that the forthcoming elections would be held in a democratic atmosphere.

The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) called on the leading parties in Albania to stop with mutual accusations and give their contribution so that the forthcoming elections would be held in a democratic atmosphere.

The political environment continues to be deeply polarized, with harsh rhetoric and personal attacks by the leaders of the main political parties, OSCE says in the report. Parties should demonstrate the political will for the conduct of democratic elections and they should discharge their electoral duties in a responsible manner for the general interest of Albania, the Balkan Insight portal reports.

No local elections have ever aroused so much interest in Albania and in the world like the ones to be held on May 8. Two leading parties, the Democratic Party of Albania and the Socialist Party of Albania, have not cooperated since the parliamentary elections in mid 2009. The Socialists never recognized the results of those elections as they claim they were stolen. Prime Minister Salji Berisa rejected those accusations, but neven agreed to a recount of votes and reexamination of the election material.

Political tensions increased ahead of the 2009 elections, particularly following the death of four opposition protesters during an anti-government rally on January 21. The opposition continued the protests, requesting from the government to resign and accusing them of murdering Albanian citizens, as well as of corruption and organized crime.

OSCE announced a robust presence in Albania during the local elections, with 30 long-term monitors and 400 short-term observers to follow polling day procedures. The international observers would support 900 local monitors, which are expected to be deployed by a coalition of Albanian NGOs.