OSCE/ODIHR final report on Albania’s parliamentary elections recommends measures to enhance public confidence in electoral process

The parliamentary elections in Albania on 23 June 2013 were competitive and characterized by genuine respect for fundamental freedoms, but more needs to be done to enhance public confidence in the electoral process, the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) concludes.

The report, released on 10 October 2013, notes that the Electoral Code, which was extensively amended in July 2012, improved the electoral framework overall and generally provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections. However, public confidence in the electoral process suffered because implementation and enforcement by all the main stakeholders fell short in a number of respects.

The report recommends that the institutional independence of the Central Election Commission be ensured and that election officials refrain from basing actions and decisions on political considerations.

The authorities and political parties are encouraged to consider more resolute steps to ensure that pressure is not applied on voters to vote in a particular way, as well as to prevent the abuse of state resources for campaign purposes. Any violations should be investigated, with perpetrators brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The report adds that the Electoral Code should guarantee the rights of all interested parties to lodge administrative complaints against decisions and actions related to election commissions, campaign misconduct, election day irregularities and results. Consideration could be given to reducing the deadline to adjudicate pre-election day cases to three-to-five days and to provide the right to judicial appeal.

To increase women’s participation and campaign visibility, the report recommends that the public broadcaster actively promote their participation by providing women candidates with greater news coverage.