Albanian elections show need for reforms

The EU said yesterday shortcomings in Albania's municipal elections show the need for better cooperation among political parties and other reforms in a country that aims to join the bloc one day.

"The shortcomings in the preparation and conduct of these elections reflect the need for improved cross-party co-operation to fulfil Albania's international commitments," EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said in a statement.

"Albania's political leaders now need to improve the way they work together on electoral reform and on the many other challenging reforms Albania is facing in the EU integration process," Mr Rehn added.

International monitors earlier expressed disappointment with Albania's municipal elections and said the country had missed a chance to prove democratic credentials worthy of a place in the EU and Nato. Tirana signed a stabilisation and cooperation agreement with the EU last year, which gave the ex-communist country membership prospects if it pursues political and economic reforms, such as on respecting the rule of law and rooting out corruption.

Accession prospects are distant, EU officials say, as Albania first needs to gain the official status of a candidate country, a process that may last years, and then be invited to start difficult and detailed entry negotiations.