Political Situation

27 November 2002

Albania remains a young and rather unstable democracy. The medium term interest of the country is often sacrificed to shorter/term, narrower political interest. Consolidation of democratic culture is essential to bring about necessary reforms.

Since the early 1990�s, two parties have dominated the political scene in Albania, the Socialist Party (SP), and the Democratic Party (DP). In reality, the scene is rather dominated by the two leaders of the respective parties Fatos Nano, currently the premier, and Sali Berisha of the DP.
After more than a decade of democratic transition the good news is that the country is pacified and that economic is progressing.

Since 1998 Albania�s reform efforts have been more productive: the adoption of a modern Constitution and legislative framework, an overall improvement in macro-economic stability and effective implementation of the privatisation process, substantial strengthening of the customs and tax administrations, and improvement in terms of security and public order. All this relative progress has brought Albania to the threshold of negotiating a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, on 31 January 2003 and significant progress is required in institutional reform, combating organised crime and corruption and strengthening government at both central and local levels. The necessary reforms to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union are not sufficiently implemented, since only a limited number of the recommendations of the 2003 SAP report and of the various Consultative Task Force meetings (CTFs) have been fully implemented.

Prior to the conclusion of SAA negotiations, Albania should demonstrate that it has made significant progress in terms of reform, and that it is in the position to implement the SAA provisions that it has negotiated. In order to make further progress in the Stabilisation and Association process, Albania urgently needs to guarantee a stable political environment, with fully functioning democratic institutions

Institutional reforms
Albanian law enforcement bodies do not yet guarantee consistent enforcement of the law, in accordance with international standards. Some steps have been taken to improve the functioning of the judicial system, but considerable efforts are still necessary to ensure law enforcement, in particular as regards serious crime.
Overall implementation of the legal framework is poor and legal security is insufficient to attract inward investments on a scale to contribute to sound and sustainable economic development.

The Constitution of Albania was passed by referendum in November 1998 and is an adequate basis for proper development and implementation of democratic principles and fundamental freedoms, including political pluralism, freedom of expression and religion, and respect of minorities. Albania has continued to strengthen its institutional and legal system.

Areas of particular concern falling directly under the Government's remit remain the fight against organised crime and corruption, proper implementation of legislation and stability of administration. The Government has continued with the design and implementation of Action Plans against corruption 2003-2004.

Public administration reform has also seen some progress. However, more determination and political will is necessary to create a modern, independent and efficient public administration. Some encouraging efforts have been made to strengthen civil society, but these will need to be intensified. Further efforts are needed to ensure full respect of human rights.

The decentralisation process has continued to make slow but constant progress, and additional autonomy has been granted to local government units. The exclusive functions of municipalities and communes have become clearer. Substantial fiscal authority has been assigned to local government structures. Nevertheless, important areas such as water and sewage, and education and social protection, remain mainly under control of the central authority.
Albania is indeed a solid ally in the campaign against terrorism. So there is an overwhelming support from the Albanian population, mostly Muslim, for the United States throughout this effort, including the sending of its own soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq. Albania cannot be an effective partner in the war on terrorism if it loses its democratic values in the process.

ELECTIONS
In the current political situation, important issues such as electoral reform, property restitution, and territorial reform, among others, require broad political agreement. Decision-making must be kept transparent and inclusive.

Elections are not yet up to international standards. In almost every area where Albania would take on obligations under a future SAA, there is a considerable lack of implementing capacity. Already since autumn, Albania has been under the spell of elections 2005 for a new election law, which will insure the elections process in conformity with international democratic standarts, is still being negotiated by the central election commision, with representatives of the opposition participating in these negotiations. Such an improved legal basis is considered by the EU as a precondition for signing a Stability and Association Agreement. Further changes are precluded in the government till the parliamentary elections scheduled for summer 2005.

In June 2003, the parliament adopted a new Electoral Code based on recommendations formulated by the international community. Further political will is needed to ensure that elections are free and fair. But even it was widely accepted that the new legislation would have to be reviewed and revised in light of experience in the local government elections.