Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Washington: 'Democracy requires calm and prudence'

By Lutfi Dervishi

Washington DC, November 2024

Official statement on the results of the US elections

As the counting of votes (and their recounting) continues and lawsuits are expected to pile up, like car traffic in Tirana, the Embassy calls on all parties in America to maintain calm, respect democratic principles and avoid escalating the situation.

In this solemn declaration, Albania, a country that knows well the chaotic intricacies of democracy, expresses its sincere desire that the American people avoid the well-known pitfalls of accusations of vote manipulation and theft, clashes at the polling stations, non-recognition of the result of elections and other acts that have long affected democratic processes in the world.

Among other things, it is underlined:

A. Respecting the will of the sovereign: "Albania reminds the American authorities of the importance of accepting the will of the people. We remind the United States that democracy requires the patience of saints and the humility of losers. If Albania has succeeded for several decades with clean elections, then the United States can also succeed".

B. Avoiding Violence: The Embassy calls on all citizens of the United States, including Albanians living there, to "remain calm and not engage in protests, acts of violence or heated discussions on Facebook. These acts have no place in democracy.

C. Defending Democracy from the 'Enemies of Liberty': "Let it not be forgotten that the enemies of liberty want nothing more than to see the mighty American Republic plunged into chaos." The embassy lists these potential "enemies" including, but not limited to: foreign trolls, and countries like Russia, Iran, China, etc. Albanian officials have informed their American counterparts in time about the actions of "third actors" who are trying to destabilize the country.

D. Advice for Albanians in the USA: The Embassy offers instructions for Albanians living in America: "It is better to remain neutral and avoid public opinions on television or social networks. Stay away from the protest site and notify the embassy of any problems you encounter.

The statement ends with a message of hope, but also a warning: "We firmly believe that the American people will rise to the level of duty and honor the sacred spirit of democracy. And if anyone needs advice on counting or pacifying protesters, Albania will be ready to help."

If the situation gets out of control, Albania warns that ALBAID will stop aid to America. Albania is ready to mediate political dialogue without preconditions.

The call for calm emphasizes Albania's role as a moral guide in the international community, a light for nations big and small.

Albania is closely monitoring the process with its best experts. A CEC delegation is on the ground and to send a clear message of the seriousness of the situation, the head of the Albanian observers is D. Gjiknuri.

"The journey of democracy is long. Americans have only been practicing democracy for 200 years. It is our duty as allies to help them not only with advice, but also with concrete acts".