A joint Council of Europe/ Central Election Commission conference focusing on 25 June 2017 Parliamentary Elections in Albania, took place in Tirana with the view of  sharing the lessons learnt and define the needs for further assistance and action, in the light of OSCE/ODIHR and CoE election monitoring reports.

In his address to the participants, the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, Claus Neukirch, while sharing the positive experience of the CoE electoral assistance package to the CEC, underlined the importance of sorting out the remaining issues with election legislation in line with the key of OSCE/ODIHR and CoE election monitoring reports’ recommendations. In addition, he called for proper utilization of the existing electoral code provisions to further professionalization and depoliticisation of election administration and the newly established CEC training facilities, with the support of the Council of Europe.  

Francois Friederich, Head of the CoE Division of Electoral Assistance, appraised the CEC for its leadership and smooth cooperation provided to the successful implementation of the CoE electoral assistance package in particular addressing some of the CEC pressing needs ahead of elections and reassured the readiness to continue the CoE support to reinforcing the capacity of the electoral administration in a sustainable way.

Pierre Garrone, Head of the Division of Elections and Political Parties at the Venice Commission, maintained that the de–politicisation of the electoral administration is an essential aim but cannot be reached in one step. In the meantime, measures can be taken to increase confidence. This implies reducing possible dependence of all levels of the electoral administration from political decisions, in particular in reducing possibilities for removal and ensuring that only person properly trained take part in the electoral administration at all levels. In order to be successful, an electoral reform has to be inclusive and implemented in good faith by all stakeholders.

While the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Klement Zguri, stressed in his remark that the upcoming electoral reform constitutes a condition, an opportunity and an obligation for quality developments, as well as the premise of all major goals that Albania has ahead. “Today, is time for political leadership to show willingness and determination, it is time to foster confidence, create certainty and guarantee.”

Addressing the conference, the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Bernd Borchardt, commended the early establishment of the parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee on Electoral Reform and look forward to seeing it up and running soon. He further underlined the definite need for a thorough, inclusive and timely electoral reform, which will address all OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on these and previous elections.

The event was organised at the newly established CEC Training Centre, setup with the CoE assistance as part of a wider cooperation package aiming to sustain the capacities of the electoral administration.