Pikhof and Sarapuu are observing parliamentary elections in Albania

“The Albanian parliamentary elections are a historical event because this is the first time the country admits votes by its citizens residing abroad and has made important changes in the election system,” said member of the Estonian delegation to the OSCE PA Heljo Pikhof. “Albania is engaged in accession negotiations with the European Union, which makes these elections an important litmus test for the democratic institutions of the country.”

Member of the delegation Kersti Sarapuu added that the task of the observers was to ensure that the elections respected the law and democratic values. “We place great emphasis on the transparency of the election process and equal treatment, especially as the political climate in the country is highly polarised. We also look at how independently the media is allowed to work and whether the results are reported as they should.”

Nearly 100 parliamentarians from 31 national parliaments will observe the Albanian parliamentary elections within the framework of the OSCE PA election observation mission. The purpose of the mission is to make sure that the elections adhere to the democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.

Deploying of election observation missions has been an important part of OSCE’s activities since 1993. The OSCE mission is observing elections in Albania for the tenth time, ever since 1996.

The observers’ preliminary findings and conclusions will be delivered at a press conference on Monday, May 12 at 4 p.m., which is streamed live on the website of the OSCE PA.

For more information, please contact:
Heljo Pikhof +372 511 9637
Kersti Sarapuu +372 503 9113

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Pikhof and Sarapuu are observing parliamentary elections in Albania

Source: Parliament of Estonia