OSCE Presence in Albania holds event on application of Decriminalization Law and its implementation on the 2021 parliamentary elections
The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands jointly organized a workshop on 11 December 2020 in Tirana. The event focused on the current application of the Law on Decriminalization in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections on 25 April 2021.
Key stakeholders of the Central Election Commission, General Prosecutor’s Office, state and public institutions, representatives of political parties, civil society and the main international partners in Albania that follow closely the implementation of the Law on Decriminalization participated in the workshop.
“The OSCE Presence strongly believes that proper application of Decriminalization Law is the foundation for a more efficient fight against electoral fraud as well as for a more efficient cleansing of the candidates lists from individuals with criminal records or those under criminal investigation”, said Head of Presence, Vincenzo Del Monaco.
The implementing partner of the activity, the Institute of Political Studies, presented the main findings of an assessment and survey they recently conducted on the implementation of this law in the field of elections; providing a synopsis of its implementation until now and identifying various hurdles they have encountered towards a fully-efficient application.
Participants highlighted that the Law on Decriminalization has achieved significant results since its adoption in December 2015, which has led to the dismissal and resignation of a considerable number of high-level state officials, including many in elected positions such as MPs, mayors and local councilors.
The Central Election Commission and the General Prosecutor’s Office shared their experiences and challenges faced in its implementation in the area of elections over the years.
Participants committed to further strengthen the cooperation among them and support each-other towards a more efficient and timely prevention of incriminated individuals’ intrusion in the candidate lists for the 2021 parliamentary elections.
The OSCE Presence in Albania will continue to closely follow and support the Central Election Commission, General Prosecutor’s Office and political actors in view of a fully effective application of the Law on Decriminalization in the upcoming elections.