ABSTRACT
The Democratic Party demanded full privatization of agriculture and the speedy and orderly breakup of cooperatives—ideas opposed by the Socialist Party. Sali Berisha expressed concern over the erosion of public support for the Democratic Party. Berisha formed a united front with the Republican and Social Democratic Parties, the powerful Union of Independent Trade Unions, and the Society of Former Prisoners. The democratic opposition viewed the elections as a means to accelerate the end of Communist rule and enhance democratic development and good governance. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) concentrated on promoting and strengthening emerging democratic institutions and democratic culture. NDI Program Director Thomas O. Melia and Program Assistant Olga Milosavljevic led several preelection missions to Albania, holding discussions with party leaders, government officials, and journalists about international standards for free and fair elections. The election platform of the Democratic Party called for the implementation of radical political and economic reforms and the restoration of law and order.
