The state of Albanian Democracy at the eve of 2013 General elections
The state of Albanian Democracy at the eve of 2013 General elections

Author(s): Alba Çela, Joana Kosho
Contributor(s): Albert Rakipi (Editor)
Subject(s): Civil Society, Electoral systems
Published by: AIIS Albanian Institut for International Studies
Keywords: 2013 Elections in Albania; The Central Elections Commission (CEC)
Summary/Abstract: The upcoming round of Albanian general elections, expected on June 23rd of 2013, will be the ultimate test for Albanian democracy, in a context of high polarization and volatile stability. The elections come after a series of previous electoral processes highly contested and which have produced political crisis, boycott and grave incidents. Should Albania fail once again to carry out democratic elections’ process with standards verified by international observers and outcomes accepted by domestic political actors, the consequences shall be all too weighty for a country that is a member of NATO and aspires to get to EU candidate status. // First and foremost the elections will be crucial for the political stability which is a precondition for the development of Albania. // This study, which goes beyond an academic curiosity has two important objectives. First it strives to show the degree of correspondence between political and media rhetoric and the real citizen agenda mapped in this survey as a constellation of concerns, expectations, beliefs and desires. Second it attempts to make political parties and political actors aware of the degree of this correspondence or rather as this study will show discrepancy. AIIS believes that instigating public discourse over the real citizen agenda will have a positive effect on a better linkage between citizen interests and political platforms contributing to democracy and to future better governance.

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