OSCE Presence in Albania to co-ordinate international community’s assistance to Central Election Commission

Following the conclusions of the 25 April 2021 parliamentary elections and the recent discussions on a new electoral reform, Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania hosted a meeting with the Ambassadors of OSCE participating States and international organizations in Albania on 10 November 2021 to exchange information and co-ordinate assistance on electoral matters.

At the meeting, State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi briefed participants on how the 25 April elections were administered, preparations underway for the next elections and the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) assistance needs. He thanked the OSCE and other international partners for their support, considering it a key factor for the CEC successful performance despite the very tight deadlines. Celibashi added that despite shortcomings in elections, for the first time the political parties did not criticize the work of the CEC.

Both Celibashi and Del Monaco welcomed political parties’ readiness for electoral reform, and emphasized the importance of a quick finalization of the electoral reform to address OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

Participants commended the CEC for preparing and managing elections professionally in a short time, and expressed their readiness to continue supporting the CEC’s efforts to improve future electoral processes. They also encouraged the State Election Commissioner, political parties and all other election-related stakeholders to use this momentum to start addressing the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

Del Monaco welcomed Celibashi’s suggestion, supported by the participants, for the Presence to co-ordinate the international community’s assistance to the CEC.