ODIHR experts present final report on Albania’s 2021 parliamentary elections in Tirana

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the ODIHR final report on Albania's April 2021 parliamentary elections during a visit to Tirana from 29 September to 1 October 2021.

The experts discussed the report's findings and recommendations with representatives of Albania's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Central Election Commission, and with representatives of parliamentary political parties, civil society and the international community.

Discussions focused on the report's priority recommendations such as the need to guarantee the right to a free and secret choice, eliminate ambiguities and inconsistencies in the legal framework for elections, intensify efforts to prosecute cases of vote-buying, ensure the security of citizens' personal data and provide for independent media coverage of electoral contestants' activities.

"It is very encouraging to get positive feedback on ODIHR recommendations from key stakeholders," said Urszula Gacek, Head of the ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission for the 25 April vote. "Hopefully this will allow further essential reforms to be implemented in a consultative, inclusive process, well in advance of the next elections in Albania".

ODIHR experts also discussed potential areas for further co-operation with Albanian institutions within the Office's Support to Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.