USA will not spare any help to Albania for the elections, but its success is up to the government and political forces.
This was the message given by the US Ambassador, Alexander Arvizu, during the introduction of a $1 million fund given by USA to support the elections of June 23rd.
Ambassador Arvizu declared that the Albanian government is responsible for guaranteeing democratic standards.
“The government’s duty is to hold transparent elections in full accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Code and the other laws. The government promised that these will be the most democratic and fair elections in the history of Albania. We encourage them to accomplish this noble goal, because it is feasible. The US will contribute with the biggest delegation possible in the international observing mission of OSCE-ODIHR, which represents an important part of the US support to the general international assistance”, Arvizu declared.
Arvizu mentioned the importance of media freedom, and the fact that they should receive no pressures during the electoral campaign, the Election Day and after.
“A responsible media representation is a key element for every functional democracy. The media should be free of any pressure and unfair influences”, Arvizu declared.
The US funds will support the Central Election Commission, the local monitoring teams, the pre-electoral debates, the civil society and the monitoring of post-elections procedures.
Ambassador Arvizu announced that there would be three televised pre-electoral debates, with the participation of three youth forums from three political parties.
The CEC Chairwoman, Lefterie Lleshi, who was invited to this activity, declared that the political parties are already pressuring the institution she leads, and that the responsibility is mutual, regardless of the different positions.
Vice CEC Chairman, Denar Biba, declared that the CEC members are conducting an extraordinary mission and that CEC should be helped not only during the elections, but also after.
Top Channel
