HEAD OF PRESENCE REMARKS ON E-DAY DURING A VISIT TO PETRELA WITH PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC

8 May 2011

How have you seen today's voting? There have been some sporadic cases of problems in some voting centres. How do you see the situation?

First of all I am happy that ODIHR is here together with many other observers in providing an independent view. The voting process has started orderly at seven o'clock a.m. in most places and we look forward to a calm day. I would like to join the President in inviting all the citizens who have not done it up to this hour to go and vote. This is what it is about. It is about the citizens to vote. It is a splendid spring day and it is good for voting and it is also good for enjoying life. Besides political life there should also be a private and a family life, so I also invite, after voting, enjoying the life with the families. I have a lot of respect for those who serve at the commissions in the voting centres. They should be commended, like the police should be commended in rendering service to the citizens today. This service will of course not stop at 7 o'clock p.m. Afterwards, there will be the counting process, which is equally important and of course we expect that after democratic elections there will also be acceptance of the results. So, I would add: keep in mind that many internationals are visiting Albania, which is also a possibility in showing the good image of Albania, great hospitality, a wonderful country, you see behind me, it is really gorgeous. And that they take that also as a visit card for Albania, as a peaceful and democratic country, that they spread the good news about Albania.

Internationals have considered 8 May as a test for Albania's democracy. Do you think that until now the electoral process has developed properly? 

Let us wait what ODIHR states. They have announced that they would go to the press with their observations. The day is continuing, is developing, and ODIHR is here to give that part of the report. 

Would you have a message for the political class?

The political class should show leadership in accepting the outcomes of a democratic election process, with citizens casting the ballots and truthful counting and civilized behaviour throughout the process. That I expect more even from the politicians than from the citizens, but of course it is for all Albanians.