The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Albania’s democratic transition has advanced significantly since the fall of communism in 1990 and breakdown of civil order in 1997. Albania has established functioning governing institutions as well as a multiparty system, and the country has managed a peaceful transition of power after the 2005 parliamentary elections. Owing to its growing political stability, Albania was formally invited to join NATO in 2008 and anticipates official European Union (EU) candidate status.

To enter Euroatlantic institutions as a fully fledged democracy, Albania needs to make its political system more transparent, accountable and participatory. An immense and deadly ammunitions explosion near Tirana in March 2008 brought home the need for greater transparency in government. Transparency will require the center-right government and center-left opposition to overcome longstanding polarization, and civil society to enter into in the legislative/political arena as issue advocates and nonpartisan watchdogs. The two party blocs will need to pass reforms to the electoral and judicial systems, tackle pervasive corruption in the public and private sectors, and ensure, through their own outreach and with stronger collaboration with civil society, that the benefits of an improving economy reach all citizens.  Albanians will have the opportunity to make their voices heard as the country holds parliamentary elections in summer 2009.

Citizen Participation

Women’s Political Participation

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