OSCE statement sparks hotter political debate on electoral reform

TIRANA, March 3 – Robert Bosch, Ambassador of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, spoke last week about Albanian electoral reform. Reform has turned into a controversial topic among smaller political parties and the two main parties, the governing Democrats and main opposition Socialists.
Bosch said the main components of reform include transparency, democracy, not a repeat of Dushk and not continuing with open lists of candidates. Naturally, he said it, was up to the political parties to decide which electoral system they prefer to have.
But that was interpreted in different ways by the smaller political parties.
Socialists supported their idea of not having open lists for candidates while smaller parties immediately reacted, sometimes nervously, saying the OSCE was overstepping its mandate. The smaller parties are raising their voice and claiming the alleged ‘partnership’ of the two main parties’ seek to remove them from the parliament.
The opposition Socialist Movement for Integration, headed by former premier Ilir Meta has been the harshest in criticizing reform plans. The party has recently split from the Socialist coalition as well. However, governing Republicans and Christian Democrats have also joined in criticizing Democrats for accepting what the Socialists offer – a package of regional proportional system and closed lists of candidates.
The fight has so far resulted in the break up of the opposition coalition for the moment, while the smaller allies in the ruling coalition have only threatened to leave the government.
All of the small parties have threatened they would ask for a referendum to decide on a reformed electoral system unless the two main parties listen to their suggestions.
This political fight is seen as damaging the country and its hopes of joining NATO as early as next month.