CEC turns down referendum request

TIRANA, Sep. 29 – The Central Election Commission turned down a request on holding a referendum on whether the ballot boxes of the last year’s parliamentary elections should be opened for a recound or not.
The commission said the request was not properly based in law.
The request was made from a group of citizens in an effort to give an end to the political deadlock between the governing Democratic Party of Prime Minister Sali Berisha and main opposition Socialist Party of Edi Rama.
The Socialists claim vote count manipulation and want a partial recount, something that is considered illegal by the governing Democrats.
The deadlock has blocked the parliamentary activity as the Socialists do not take part in any voting in parliament.
Many draft laws, especially those on the integration processes into the European Union, request a three-fifth majority, or 84 votes, which means the participation of the opposition is necessary.