TIRANA, Oct. 26 – EU and US ambassadors have asked Albania’s top elections official to make sure a proper investigation takes place on alleged electoral crime and irregularities.
The request came at a meeting of EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca and US Ambassador Yuri Kim with Chairman of the Central Election Commission Ilirjan Celibashi to discuss ways to further improve elections in Albania.
“It is also essential for authorities to investigate irregularities and prosecute electoral crimes, including vote-buying, voter intimidation, and other attempts to deny voters the right to vote freely, without fear or pressure or illegal enticement,” the US Embassy said in a statement about the meeting.
Noting the ODIHR final report, Kim and Soreca expressed appreciation for the CEC’s” competent administration of the April 25 election,” the statement added.
Ambassador Kim underlined it is now the responsibility of all relevant institutions, authorities, and parties to work with the CEC to address the recommendations in ODIHR’s final report.
“The United States will continue to strongly support all efforts to ensure that elections in Albania abide by the highest standards so that the will of voters is fully respected,” the US embassy statement added.
