Press Releases

Albanian Elections Show Commitment to Democratic Development (July 8, 2005)

U.S. diplomat Paul Jones addresses OSCE Permanent Council

The United States praised the "commitment to democratic development" shown during the July 3 parliamentary elections in Albania, but also noted that some technical problems remain in the election process.

In remarks before the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council July 7, U.S. diplomat Paul Jones said the United States commends the Albanian Central Election Committee for its largely professional and transparent efforts in conducting the election."

He took note, however, of the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE’s International Election Observation Mission, which cited technical problems related to voter identification and to overcrowding at the polls. "The current election system will remain prone to abuse until Albania fully addresses these problems," said Jones.

The United States urged that the process of certifying the election results "be completed without delay."

Following is the text of Jones' remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council

United States Mission to the OSCE
STATEMENT ON THE CONDUCT OF THE JULY 3 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA
As delivered by Chargé d'Affaires Paul Jones to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 7, 2005

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The United States welcomes the commitment to democratic development shown by the eople of Albania in the July 3rd parliamentary elections. We are encouraged that so any Albanians chose to exercise their right to vote for the leadership of their country.

We would like to commend the Central Election Committee for its largely professional and transparent efforts in conducting the election, and the police for their restrained behavior before and during the election process.

At the same time, it is clear that the election process suffered from certain technical roblems, as noted in the International Election Observation Mission's preliminary conclusions.

Voters endured unacceptable overcrowding and delays in casting their votes, while polling stations in many cases incorrectly followed procedures designed to ensure the identity of voters and prevent multiple voting.

The issuance and use of birth certificates in the voter identification process was problematic, as well as the absence of a uniform country-wide address system and standardized personal identification documents.

We agree that the current election system will remain prone to abuse until Albania fully addresses these problems.

We urge that the process of certifying the results of the election be completed without delay.

The United States fully agrees that any disputes over the election results be referred to the relevant Albanian bodies and that their independent decisions be fully respected. We urge that all legal challenges be resolved expeditiously and fairly, and that these decisions be fully respected.

The United States would like to express its gratitude to the over 400 observers who participated in the OSCE-organized International Election Observation Mission.

Finally, we would also like to praise the efforts and dedication of the 120 men and women who work year round in the OSCE's Presence in Albania. We call upon Albania's political leadership to fully utilize their talents, energy, and commitment to help the country move further along the path of reform.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.