OSCE Presence to train Albanian Police on their role in elections
TIRANA, 26 March 2013 - Seven thousand police officers will be prepared for their role in the electoral process through a series of trainings organized by the OSCE Presence and the Albanian State Police, ahead of the 23 June general elections.
“The role of the Albanian State Police in the electoral process is absolutely crucial to the success of the elections. I am confident that the Albanian State Police will again support effectively a smooth election process,” the Head of the OSCE Presence, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, said at today’s event.
“We expect that the political class and those assisting in the electoral administration – including everyone sitting here today - will ensure that these elections comply with relevant OSCE and other international standards, so that Albania can really move forward,” he added.
The training, which will continue until the end of April, started today at the strategic level, with a session dedicated to senior police officers. Following the training of 150 trainers, sessions will be cascaded through the operational and tactical levels for all police personnel that will be engaged in election-related duties. Lecturers include experts from the police academy, the OSCE Presence, the Central Election Commission, and the Prosecution Office. In addition, the Presence is preparing an information booklet regarding the special role of the police in the electoral process, which will be distributed to all relevant police officers.
The assistance is part of the Presence’s ongoing support to the Albanian state institutions to help ensure successful technical administration of the electoral process.