Albania's Elections and the Challenge of Democratic Transition

Location:	Washington, D.C.
Event Date:	June 4, 2009

Albania's upcoming parliamentary elections will test the country's new electoral system and democratic ideals. Governments and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters due to problems in the distribution of citizen identification cards, now needed to vote in the June 28 election.

As NATO's newest member and a candidate for European Union membership, Albania has much at stake. A fair and transparent election will strengthen the country's Western bona fides, while a bad performance will slow further integration into European structures.

The Helsinki Commission, a U.S. governmental body focused on security and cooperation with Europe, holds a briefing "Albania's Elections and the Challenge of Democratic Transition." Experts will discuss Albania's electoral process, the political environment, and technical preparations. Jonas Rolett, Open Society Institute regional director for Southern Central & Eastern Europe, will testify. OSI grantees in Albania are monitoring campaign expenditures, media coverage, and election-day activities.

Speakers include:

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Co-Chair Albania Issues Caucus
Elez Biberaj, Director, Eurasia Division, Voice of America
Jonas Rolett, Regional Director for Southern Central & Eastern Europe, Open Society Institute
Robert Benjamin, Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, National Democratic Institute