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PRESS RELEASE
The Albanian
Helsinki Committee (AHC), has monitored and will
continue to monitor periodic elections in Albania
24.01.2007
The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC),
the first non-governmetn (non-profit) organization in
Albania, has monitored and will continue to monitor
periodic elections in Albania. The purpose of monitoring
elections for the February 18, 2007 local government
elections is to contribute to respect for the free vote
of voters, the conduct of free, fair, and democratic
elections, and to the further improvement of electoral
reform in the spirit of international documents[1].
AHC will engage its network of observers
and correspondents in their respective districts,
volunteers, and human rights activists. AHC is in the
process of accrediting about 150 short term and long
term observers. The observation will mainly focus on the
following districts: Tiranė, Durrės, Fier, Gjirokastėr,
Korēė, Kukės, Shkodėr, Vlorė and Elbasan. In order to
enhance the observers' professional level, ensure better
acquaintance with amendments made to the Electoral Code,
and implement an effective observation methodology, AHC
will conduct the training of its observers on January
27, 2007.
In order to improve information for the
public on the right to vote, on the verification of
names on voter lists, on voting procedures, and on
sensitizing voters to participate in elections, AHC will
prepare a leaflet as well as 3 supplements that will be
published in daily newspapers.
Areas that AHC will monitor during the
2007 local elections will include: specific aspects of
the electoral campaign, the announcement of the voter
lists and the exercise of voters' right to complain,
respect for the Code of Conduct by political parties and
their candidates, the voting process, and the vote
counting process. AHC will also follow the progress of
preparations for the elections paying attention to
various problems that may arise. The Committee will also
remain in contact with the Central Election Commission
and other monitoring organizations. Based on data that
will be collected and problems that may arise, AHC may
come out with public reactions and inform relevant
institutions on addressing problems. Upon completion of
the voting process, AHC will issue a preliminary report
and, upon completion of the electoral process, a final
report that will include necessary recommendations on
how to improve the electoral process in Albania.
AHC expresses its confidence that other
local monitoring organizations will demonstrate
objectivity and professionalism in monitoring various
aspects of the electoral process.
[1]
Monitoring of the pre-electoral and electoral
process will be made possible financially by
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