(Photo: ec.europa.eu)
TIRANA, June 26 – European and American officials have expressed satisfaction at the way the electoral process took place in Albania, adding problematic issues noted by election observers must also be addressed, according to two statements issued the day after the election.
A statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn noted that Albania’s parliamentary elections on June 25 took place in a calm and orderly manner.
“Citizens benefited from a broad political offer at an important stage of Albania’s EU integration process,” the statement noted.
According to the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, the electoral contestants were able to campaign freely and fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression were respected. The electoral framework generally provided an adequate basis for the conduct of democratic elections, the high EU officials noted.
“We take note of the reserves expressed by observers regarding the politicisation of electoral bodies and the inconsistent application of the law. We expect appropriate follow up to the preliminary findings of the Election Observation Mission will be ensured, notably regarding allegations of vote-buying and pressure on voters as well as interference by unauthorised party activists, which can undermine public confidence in elections,” the EU statement said.
It added that: “Once the electoral process has been completed, we will engage with the new government to support the reform process and proceed on the EU integration process. The continuation of the justice reform and the fight against drug trafficking and cultivation will be of particular importance in this respect.”
The EU high officials also asked Albania to continue “to promote regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.”
The U.S Embassy in Tirana also issued a statement, congratulating the citizens of Albania for exercising their democratic right to vote in the parliamentary elections.
“Voting was conducted efficiently and peacefully in the majority of polling places. We commend the dedicated poll workers and observers who worked through a national holiday and the extreme heat to carry out their duties,” the U.S. Embassy statement said. “International observers witnessed incidents of vote buying, photographing of ballots, and intimidation of voters. Elections officials and law enforcement responded to many of these complaints resulting in some arrests.”
It added that “while some electoral violations witnessed were serious and should be addressed, they were not so widespread as to change the overall outcome of the elections.”
