Free and fair elections are fundamental to Albania, says US ambassador

TIRANA, Nov 4 – US Ambassador to Tirana John L Withers II called Monday that the general elections to be held in Albania next year should be free and fair and fundamental to the country’s integrating efforts into the international institutions.
Elections were vital to the country, according to Withers speaking at a talk show of Top Chanel private television station.
The ambassador said they were closely linked to the country’s work and efforts to get full NATO membership next year and also proceed toward becoming a European Union member in the future, urging politics to show maturity.
“These elections will be of vital importance for Albania. It will be the moment when Albania votes as part of a new alliance, throwing down the obstacles of isolation that have hampered the country in the past. That is why it is vital that the elections go well,” he said.
The Albanian politicians were advised to hold an efficient organizational system that would really help Albanian voters to cast their vote.
He also reminded on the preparation of a good voters’ list and the issuing of new identity cards and biometric passports on time. There was not a long time and they had to rush in the preparation of the electoral infrastructure and passing all the required legal standards.
“I have done and will continue to call on all political forces to work hard so that these are the best elections Albania has ever held,” he said.