AA13CR29ADD1

AS (2013) CR 29
Addendum 1

2013 ORDINARY SESSION

________________________

(Fourth part)

REPORT

Twenty-ninth sitting

Monday 30 September 2013 at 3 p.m.

ADDENDUM 1

Progress report

      The following texts were submitted for inclusion in the official report by members who were present in the Chamber but were prevented by lack of time from delivering them.

Mr VASILI (Albania) – On behalf of the Socialist Movement for the integration of Albania, as partners in the new governing coalition, I would like to thank the pre-electoral delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly for the very helpful mission they performed in Albania during and after the electoral campaign. We are grateful to the Council of Europe for the special attention paid to our country.

The general elections of June in Albania marked a crucial moment in the history of our country. Albanians voted massively for a much-needed change and gave a very clear message to all politicians: that their vote counts and that they know how to use it when it comes to holding their politicians accountable.

After 23 years of transition, Albanians have finally chosen the beginning of a new era. They have chosen a European future, making it clear that they expect new standards of governance. After these general elections, we are encouraged to see that Albania has taken a huge step forward towards strengthening its democracy, by demonstrating that it can fulfil international electoral standards. Despite numerous challenges, the vote of the citizens was so clear that it left no room for interpretations, thus paving the way for a peaceful and civilised transition of power and ultimately increasing voter confidence in the process.

Although we are pleased with the positive developments, we are also aware of the huge responsibility thrown upon our shoulders and the immense work ahead for the new government. This is why our party, the LSI, has always advocated more political co-operation between political parties, larger involvement of civil society and a more practical way of doing politics, focusing on the tangible problems of the people and distancing ourselves from the personalisation of political debates.

Just as Albania prides itself in its excellent inter-faith dialogue and good neighbourly relations, so should its political class be able to reflect the same level of integrity in its internal dialogue. It is only through close co-operation that we can fulfil our shared goal – that of making Albania a full member of the European Union in the near future. In this direction, we truly appreciate the role of our international partners, and especially that of the Council of Europe, in advancing Albania’s progress towards full European integration.

Ms MYLLER (Finland) - I was grateful for the opportunity to take part in this observation mission in Albania. This was my first experience of an election observation, so I cannot really compare it with anything. My own observations suggested that voting took place mainly within the regulations, but in some cases there were problems. Some voters did not find their names on the ballots, although they might have done so in other places nearby. In one case, at least, an elderly couple could not vote, because of missing ID. In one particular case, it was said that the reason for the missing card was poverty. They could not afford one. According to election regulations, the identity of the voters must always be checked – which in turn, of course, prevents the possibility of electoral fraud.

The report states the fact that the position of women in Albanian politics is still weak. Women’s chances to get elected from the lists were slim, mainly because they were placed at the bottom of those lists. Female candidates were also clearly given less media time than male candidates. The counting of the votes was concentrated in a small number of regional locations, which caused delays. However, the concentration was apparently intended to ensure smooth counting of the votes under the same rules and regulations regardless of location. Still, it is very difficult to understand the month-long gap between voting and the final publication of the results. This is likely to undermine the public interest in the elections.

At least some degree of pressure was reported on the part of the ruling party towards public sector employees. To some extent the aim was presumably to show public support for the ruling coalition, as it was expected to win.

Albania is a relatively young democracy. It is important that the Albanians, also ordinary citizens, can communicate with the different Council of Europe member states and learn about different countries' experiences of developing democracy and the rule of law. Structural problems were reflected, for example, by the fact that mistrust between the two main coalitions affected the organisation of the elections. The law must be able to guarantee such rules that can be followed in all circumstances and there can be no room for political wrangling about the rules.