OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on parliamentary elections in Albania

A team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited Tirana from 30 October to 2 November to present the final report by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission for the 25 June 2017 parliamentary elections in Albania.

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of the Central Election Commission, political parties, state authorities, the media, civil society and the international community. Potential areas for further co-operation and concrete steps that can be taken by various electoral stakeholders to address the recommendations were explored during the meetings.

The report recommends, in particular, undertaking an inclusive and timely electoral reform to harmonize election legislation in areas such as campaigning, campaign finance and the media. The ODIHR team also drew attention to recommendations to address persisting issues of vote-buying and abuse of state resources, as well as to depoliticize election administration, in order to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. Further efforts are needed to  eliminate unreasonable restrictions on voter rights, remove restrictions on the suffrage rights of persons with disabilities, increase women’s participation in electoral administration, decriminalize defamation and grant full and equal access for observers at all stages of the electoral process.

“While we have noted that stakeholders are willing to engage in a meaningful process to implement the electoral recommendations, a combination of change in the behaviour at all levels of society and political will is needed for a successful reform process,” said Ambassador Peter Tejler, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission. “ODIHR is ready to actively support any reform efforts,” he said.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.