OSCE/ODIHR final report on local elections in Albania recommends review of the legal framework and enhancing the independence and professional capacity of the election administration
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Albania’s 21 June local elections, recommends a review of the legislation to ensure alignment with OSCE commitments and international standards for democratic elections, and enhancing the independence, impartiality and professional capacity of the election administration.
The report, published on 8 September, notes that amendments to the electoral law addressed some long-standing OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, including the promotion of women candidates, but recommends that legislation be reviewed in order to eliminate gaps and ambiguities identified. A comprehensive review of electoral dispute resolution procedures is further recommended, so as to provide all stakeholders with an effective means of redress.
While the report notes that the Central Election Commission generally operated openly, it recommends that efforts be made to enhance the independence, impartiality and professional capacity of all election commissions. It further recommends increasing the transparency of the tabulation process, including entitling all observers to receive copies of results protocols.
The campaign environment was observed to be largely peaceful, with fundamental freedoms respected. However, in noting instances of the blurring of the line between the state and party, as well as widespread allegations of pressure on voters, the report recommends that the authorities take more resolute steps to prevent, identify, investigate and prosecute established violations. Measures to enhance the transparency of campaign finance are also recommended.
Citing concerns about political party interference in the media’s editorial autonomy, the report recommends that criminal provisions for defamation be replaced by civil remedies. It further recommends abolishing legal provisions allowing for footage produced by political parties be aired on news programmes.
The preliminary statement of findings and conclusions, issued by ODIHR and the Congress of the Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, with whom the ODIHR mission joined efforts for election day observation, stated that while there was a distinct choice between a range of candidates and fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly were generally respected, the continued politicization of state institutions undermined the effective administration of the electoral process. Overall, the election day was assessed positively, but many cases of group voting and some important procedural irregularities were observed.