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OSCE: Albanian Elections Generally Calm, But Parties Showed Deep Mistrust

11 May 2011 04:01 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. European observers say this week’s local elections in Albania were competitive and transparent, but took place in an atmosphere of high mistrust between the government and opposition, APA reports voanews.com website.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said Tuesday that the two largest political parties did not carry out their electoral duties in a responsible manner.

It said the parties failed to nominate election commissioners in a timely manner and also questioned the integrity of those appointed to administer the voting.

The OSCE said the campaign was marred by violence. It said it is concerned that the extreme polarization of political life may prevent cooperation needed to address the needs of Albanian citizens.

Albanian Socialist Party leader Edi Rami has already claimed victory over Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party, even as vote counting continues.

Sunday’s elections in Albanian towns and cities were regarded as a test of whether Albania is ready to become a candidate for the European Union.