Remarks on Strengthening Democracy in Albania

Closing Ceremony of the Democracy and Governance in Albania Program
Remarks of Edward T. Landau, USAID Mission Director
December 11, 2007

Thank you Shaun for your introduction.

Mr. Mejdani, Mr. Godo, distinguished guests,

On behalf of USAID, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this celebration of the achievements of the Democracy and Governance in Albania Program.

This project pooled the talent and expertise from four organizations, NDI, Partners for Democratic Change, IREX, and the Albanian Coalition against Corruption, which were channeled to a single purpose: to strengthen democratic processes and institutions in Albania.

And together we achieved success. In concrete ways, we helped to strengthen norms and processes critical to the life blood of any democracy.

A decade ago, the principles of investigative journalism, scientific polling, domestic elections monitoring were in their infancy in Albania.  They were viewed with suspicion; seen as tainted by political agendas.  Today Albanians can turn on their TVs and watch objective shows like Hapur.  They can pick up a newspaper and read reliable polls carried out by reputable organizations. And while Albania still has room to improve in the conduct of its elections, it has achieved a civic monitoring capability that transcends narrow interests and speaks to a larger public interest in clean elections. 

This project played a role in all these accomplishments.  You should take pride in them. 
Even more important, this project has helped to foster what I believe is a stronger sense of civic responsibility.  For fifty years, civic responsibility was a hollow catch phrase, an obligation imposed by a repressive regime.  Albanians are beginning to recognize that civic responsibility is a corollary of a free society. Doing one’s civic duty is both voluntary and necessary.

After signing the United States Constitution, a young citizen asked Benjamin Franklin, “what kind of government did you give us: monarchy or a republic?" Franklin's keen response was "A republic, if you can keep it!" Franklin understood that the responsibility of maintaining a democracy belongs inherently to the people.

And democracy cannot be willed into existence from above by international actors with good intentions.  Gandhi once said that “The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed from without. It has to come from within.”

You are the protagonists.  Your work is essential to building true democracy; a democracy constructed from the bottom is far more likely to endure. 

I’m encouraged by the men and women who showed initiative and energy to assume their civic responsibilities – to monitor elections, volunteer in civic programs, to work in partnership with each other and – when appropriate – in collaboration with government -- and I congratulate all of you on your success so far. 

I’d especially like to recognize the leadership and achievements of three outstanding Albanians who helped to make this project a success: Andrea Stefani, Juliana Hoxha and Genci Caushi. You and your organizations have provided tremendous examples to Albania relative to how individuals and locally-managed groups can make a difference.  Thanks for all you have done. 

I would encourage all you to continue efforts to strengthen your democracy. For our part, the United States Government, and USAID, will continue to explore avenues to support these endeavors.