OSCE reminds politicians to start preparation for local elections

TIRANA, Oct. 11 – The new head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, is continuing his meetings with all the top leaders and institutions in the country, urging all of them to immediately start preparation for the local elections expected in May next year.
Last week Wollfarth met with Socialist Party leader Edi Rama to whom he stressed the crucial responsibilities the opposition has in the proper functioning of democracy.
Ambassador Wollfarth said the OSCE Presence would continue to pursue its overall goal to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in conformity with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.
“An early start to the necessary administrative preparations is crucial for the 2011 local government elections. It must be in line with the latest OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. The OSCE Presence stands ready to provide the necessary technical expertise in such circumstances,” he said.
On Monday he met with parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli.
Wollfarth congratulated Topalli on the latest vote of the European Parliament in favor of visa liberalization for Albanian citizens. He stressed that he was looking forward to continue the constructive co-operation with the Assembly in order to assist the country in successfully carrying out its reform agenda and in meeting OSCE principles and standards.
He also said that the Presence, also working through the four project offices, will continue to focus on implementing large, outcome-oriented projects taking into account the strategic priorities of the country.
Also speaking to Topalli, Wollfarth said that they must be in line with the latest OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, and stressed that in this respect it is important that the preparations start soon. He underlined the crucial role of the Assembly in this process.
“The presence stands ready to provide the necessary technical expertise in such circumstances. The assembly should also be the forum where all MPs are able to fully participate and contribute in all legislative and policy making matters,” he said.