Thewesternbalkans.
After the parliamentary elections in Albania, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos issued a statement where they congratulate all the competent authorities that ensured smooth operations across the country. These elections also marked the introduction of out-of-country voting for the first time.
The Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kos recognised that according to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, the elections were managed generally in an inclusive and transparent manner, the election day being calm and well organised, despite some shortcomings. The elections were competitive and professionally conducted, and candidates were generally able to campaign freely, although some reported facing intimidation. The vote however took place in a highly polarised environment, in which contestants did not enjoy a level playing field.
Due to the widespread use of administrative resources and institutional leverage, it can be that the ruling majority had an advantage of incumbency. Numerous allegations were made of pressure on voters, especially public employees. Coordinated efforts to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes is a welcome development and follow-up is necessary to address persistent concerns of electoral malpractice.
Media independence continues to be an issue.
The EU will closely follow electoral developments until the final certification of the results. All political forces should ensure the continued functioning of the country’s institutions.
Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos encourage Albania to continue pursuing all reforms required for its future accession to the EU, including the adoption of a further electoral reform addressing all ODIHR’s key recommendations, and those that are still outstanding from previous elections. Albania’s EU integration process is a strategic national objective, and a whole-of-society project, which is strongly supported by Albania’s citizens. The two ladies reiterate their call for a constructive and inclusive political dialogue as all of Albania’s political parties and all sectors of society, from civil society organisations to local communities, have a role to play in further advancing the country’s EU accession process.
Comments: The evaluations of High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Kos are objective and at the same time do not touch upon the most crucial issues of ‘Albanian democracy’, namely the high level of corruption and the role of organized crime. Gradually, but surely, Albania is becoming the country that will join the EU after Montenegro.
