OSCE welcomes new Albanian electoral system

TIRANA, April 22 – The OSCE Ambassador in Albania, Robert Bosch, welcomed the adoption of constitutional changes to the electoral system in Albania, saying he hoped they would provide further impetus for timely completion of the electoral reforms.
“This is a clear and firm step towards addressing the 2005 recommendations by the OSCE and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights,” said Ambassador Bosch. “However, issues such as election administration, election results’ complaints and appeals, political party financing and women’s participation still remain to be addressed. The debate on Electoral Codes also need to be conclusive on these matters.”
The Albanian Assembly on Monday adopted, by a vast majority, a regional proportional electoral system with closed lists of candidates.
Ambassador Bosch refrained from commenting on the substance of constitutional changes that were not related to election reform, but pointed out their being a lack of sufficient time for a wider debate involving the civil society and other relevant actors.
He added that the OSCE Presence remained ready to provide assistance to Albanian authorities and institutions in accordance with its mandate.