ODIHR needs assessment mission to visit Albania

Following an invitation to observe local government elections in Albania scheduled for 8 May 2011, ODIHR will send a needs assessment mission to the country from 17 to 21 January.

The purpose of the mission is to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the elections and to recommend whether an ODIHR election-related activity is necessary and if so, what type of activity, for example an observation or assessment mission, best meets the identified needs. ODIHR will release a report with its findings and recommendation shortly after the completion of the mission.

Members of the needs assessment mission will meet with representatives of the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Interior, the National Council for Radio and Television, as well as representatives of political parties, the mass media, civil society and the international community.