The OSCE has released it’s preliminary report on its election observation mission in Albania. The EU Observer pointedly notes the positive developments made in this round while addressing its shortcomings.

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Sunday’s (3 June) elections in Albania have only partially complied with the international standards for democratic elections, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) – the body in charge of observing the process – announced on Monday (4 July) in its preliminary report.

“While these were overall competitive elections and media generally provided voters with a diversity of electoral information, major political parties have yet to demonstrate political will and responsibility to a measure commensurate with the broad authority granted to them on the electoral process”, the OSCE said.

The OSCE notes some positive developments in the election process, such as the high number of different political parties registered to participate, the “transparent” administration of the process and the media coverage of the elections.

But on the other hand, it regrets the “significant number… of allegations of interference with citizens???????? right to freedom of expression and to engage in political activities”, and the status quo as regards women’s insufficient participation in public affairs.

On top of that, an election official was shot dead on Sunday (3 July) in Tirana and two other men were killed during post-election celebrations.

However, no reports of general violence were received and the spokesperson of the Albanian interior ministry said that the atmosphere of the elections was “much better than in other years”, according to Reuters.

When measuring the success of political reforms in a country, one must look at the starting point and how far the country has progressed toward international standards. With regards to Albania, I would stake that there has been significant progress to that effect. Many of the headlines have called this election a “key event” of the transition from communism to democracy. This would be correct, as there will certainly be an interesting transition should the opposition Democratic Party win — which, right now, it is 10% ahead.

The toughest part to affirm, however, is what happens after the voting. Election observers get to see that much, but they don’t have access to the insides of the electoral commissions that count the votes. Since only 7% of the ballot boxes have been counted thusfar, people are worrying about corruption as well they should be.

Concerns about corruption in critical Albanian parliamentary elections have increased, as a certain part of the results has not been announced yet as both the contenders claim victory.

Reportedly, only seven percent of the ballot boxes have been opened in the polls with a reported voter turnout is of 50 percent. The Democratic Party coalition under the supervision of former president Sali Berisha has been leading with 45 percent. On the other hand, election officials hesitate to give any result. Purportedly, Prime Minister Fatosh Nano of the Socialist Party has received 30 percent. The Socialist Movement for Integration Party under Prime Minister Ilir Meta has won eight percent of the votes under the former.

Despite each parties claiming victory on Monday, poll results may change as all ballot boxes have not been opened. Berisha had objected to the 2001 the polls claiming corruption. The crucial process for Albania bid for the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) memberships after the results are announced.

The voting process itself is increasingly sufficient, but what goes on behind the scenes becomes more relevant. And if the votes are counted correctly, then the lesser parties will need to accept the vote and work together to form a governing coalition to continue the progress already made. This will be the critical test of the election.