OSCE/ODIHR observers to arrive in Albania

TIRANA, May 1 – The first wave of 35 long-term observers of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights will land to Tirana next week to start their mission for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Some 400 international observers are expected to monitor the June 23 parliamentary elections. The local media also reported that though there is no one nominated to lead the mission yet, it is expected that a Slovenian official may take that post. Other international institutions, like the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, will be part of that mission.
After the arrival May 10 the mission is expected to last until June 25, two days after the vote. Two intermediate reports will be made public before the June 23 polls and before leaving they will make their statement, or preliminary report which is considered the certification that the international community gives to the polls.