TIRANA, 11 October 2012 -- The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, welcomed today’s election by the Albanian Assembly of the Central Election Commission.

“Today’s election of the Commission members, including the Chair, is an important first step towards the implementation of the new Electoral Code,” he said.

“I strongly encourage all stakeholders to work together and to demonstrate the required political will to further implement the new Electoral Code in full and in good spirit. This is necessary to develop trust at all levels - between voters, election commissioners, and politicians - while providing a fair and equal playing field for all.”

Wollfarth reiterated the OSCE Presence’s readiness to assist the Central Election Commission and all other stakeholders in implementing the election legislation.