Democracy to the test” “

The June 23 elections in Tirana will be a test of Albania’s ability to abide by the rule of law in view of an adjustment path towards European Union membership, and are equally an opportunity to renew the country’s political leadership. There is quite some scepticism among the citizens towards a ruling class that has yet to overcome the post-communist trauma, while the modernization of the economy, of social services and of public administration has yet to materialize. Furthermore, there are “historical” problems overshadowing the country’s future, which include the social imbalances between Tirana, the other cities, and the rest of the country, and the problematic relationship with neighbouring Serbia and Kosovo – where many Albanians reside -, as well as the resurgence of nationalism. Bishops have their say. Ahead of the vote, Albanian Bishops appealed to their fellow citizens, inviting them to “grasp this opportunity to play an active role in the public life of the country by participating in the elections”. In the statement, the bishops did not deny the “important steps” made by Albanian national political life. However, they observed, “we cannot but highlight some of the negative phenomena which can severely damage the electoral process in these elections and we hope that, by calling them by name, these elections will go ahead in the best possible way”. First: “vote trading”. The bishops denounce that in many parts of Albania, “votes are bought, sold, or won over by threats. Beloved brethren, the buying and selling of votes is the buying and selling of freedom”. According to the bishops, “another serious problem is voting under menace, especially when related to the promise of a job”: “This is an open violation of the human rights of workers who support their families with their work”.Finally, the bishops invited “candidates and political parties to make a positive election campaign rather than take part in the insults, ad-hominems and personal attacks” that “have occurred in recent years”.Defending principles. The bishops appealed to the legality of the vote, which is the basis of democracy: “We need a transparent administration of the election process. Political parties have sometimes had the tendency to manipulate this process in the recent past”. The bishops underscore the importance of knowing “the results of the vote and their acceptance by all parties involved, and that the democratic process will bring about a legitimate and effective parliament and government”. They emphasize: “Let’s not forget that we have not obtained candidacy status for the European Union in the past legislature”; a “failure”, according to the episcopate, which is convinced that “the future for Albania is in Europe”. Finally, the bishops reminded the faithful that votes must go to those who promote “the highest human values: the inviolable rights of life, family and morality, which are the foundation stones of a healthy society”.Freedom and democracy. The bishops’ document is generating some interest in the country. Agron Gjekmarkaj, commentator, literary critic and Catholic columnist confirmed this to Sir Europe: “The letter of the Albanian Bishops’ Conference to the Catholics and to people of goodwill regarding the upcoming elections is a matter of historical importance “, he says. “In this way, the Church is out to defend the values of freedom, democracy and human dignity which have been put into question by the ongoing Albanian transition and especially by the bitter political struggle in the country”. The statement “breaks the slightly unwarranted silence of recent years. Now, with strength and courage, the bishops ask for the freedom to choose without being bought or forced to vote for someone, because this is the only way to build a true democracy”. In addition, Gjekmarkaj says, “the document expresses deep concern about the undue delay in the process of EU integration, which is the only way forward for the future of our people”.The people “deserve better”. The writer and playwright Stefan Capaliku points out: “For the first time, the Conference of Bishops has taken a clear stance on these issues. The bishops spoke on a topic that in a month’s time will strike deep into the life of their flock. And this is a good thing!” The invitation to participate in the elections, “which the Bishops’ Conference expressed in a non-partisan way, comes at a time when it seems that the offers of the two largest political parties will not bring about any change. The political menu is always the same. We are forever living ‘lost in transition’. For this reason it is important to put a decisive and constant pressure on the parties. The Albanian people deserve better”.