IFES - Albania

 Print this Page

Albania

Although economic challenges remain, Albania’s economy has recently seen some growth and improved inflation numbers. Domestic and international reports on the July 2005 parliamentary elections indicate marked improvements over both the 2001 and 2003 elections. 

IFES has served as a leader of democracy development in Albania since 1991 when it provided extensive technical and commodity assistance for the nation’s first post-Communist elections in March 1992. In 1998, IFES established a full-time office and has served as a primary resource for technical assistance to the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Government of Albania, and the international community. 

In 1992, Albania ended 46 years of Communist rule and established its first multiparty democracy. During the ‘90s, it was plagued by high unemployment, widespread corruption, a decrepit infrastructure and organized crime.

Current Projects

Technical Elections Assistance

Under the current $4.3 million USAID agreement, IFES’ activities seek to further strengthen the electoral process and democratic culture in Albania. In preparation for the July 2005 parliamentary elections, IFES conducted a GIS mapping project to improve the voters’ list and civil registries, provided training for election administration staff, and supported the official, nation-wide voter education campaign.