Electoral bridges: International IDEA facilitated partnership for Albania and Ukraine

On Europe Day, the Central Election Commissions of Albania and Ukraine convened in Tirana to formalise a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that strengthens institutional ties and promotes the exchange of expertise in democratic administration—against the backdrop of the International Election Observation Programme.

The programme brought together senior representatives from 19 election management bodies and international organizations worldwide— Mr. Ilirjan Celibashi, the State Election Commissioner of Albania, and Mr. Oleh Didenko, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, officially endorsed this new partnership, facilitated by the International IDEA. 

Strengthening Technical and Institutional Cooperation

The MoU establishes a clear framework for collaboration in key areas of electoral administration:

• Exchange of Best Practices: Facilitating study visits and expert dialogues to compare legal frameworks, operational procedures and election-day logistics.
• Voter Education and Technology: Jointly developing programmes and digital tools to enhance voter outreach, improve accessibility and bolster cybersecurity measures.
• Integrity, Transparency and Trust: Co-designing initiatives to uphold the highest standards of transparency—from campaign finance monitoring to safeguarding electoral materials—and to foster public confidence in the voting process.

Representatives from International IDEA, a strategic partner to both commissions, attended the signing to underscore the global importance of robust election administration. Their presence reinforced the shared belief that cross-border cooperation accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions and harmonizes practices with international standards.
 

Image

A Symbolic Moment for European Democracy

Selecting Europe Day for this agreement was highly intentional. As Albania emerges as a dynamic forum for democratic dialogue, the MoU serves both as a celebration of European unity and as a practical step toward more resilient electoral systems. 

Image

The partnership will enable both commissions to pool resources, conduct joint training sessions and participate in reciprocal observation missions—translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete improvements on the ground.

By fostering long-term institutional links and leveraging the expertise of International IDEA, this collaboration promises to enhance democratic governance and inspire similar agreements across the region. As free, fair and inclusive elections remain the bedrock of representative government, Albania’s and Ukraine’s election commissions are charting a course toward greater solidarity and shared learning in Europe’s electoral community.