Local elections, 14 May 2023

Following an invitation to observe the upcoming local elections in the Republic of Albania scheduled for 14 May 2023, and in accordance with its mandate, ODIHR has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for these elections.

The ODIHR EOM and the OSCE Presence in Albania operate separately under their specific mandates.

Long-term Observation

The ODIHR EOM, headed by Dame Audrey Glover, consists of 13 international experts based in Tirana. In addition, 24 long-term observers, from 14 participating countries, will be deployed throughout the country from 13 April.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards, as well as with national legislation. Observers will, in particular, look into the legal framework for and the administration of elections, candidate registration, conduct of the campaign, the resolution of election-related disputes, campaign finance rules, as well as media environment and media coverage of the elections. They will also assess how prior ODIHR election-related recommendations have been implemented. As part of the observation, the EOM will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.

Election Day

ODIHR has requested 300 short-term observers to be deployed immediately prior to the 14 May elections. The short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country in multinational teams of two to follow the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.

The day after the elections, ODIHR will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference. A final report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be issued approximately eight weeks after the end of the observation mission.

Previous Elections

ODIHR has previously observed 15 elections and referenda in the country, most recently the 2021 parliamentary elections.