The Ambassador of the European Union in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, stated that Albania needs an electoral reform fully in line with the OSCE-ODIHR recommendations, in order to create a fair and equal political competition.
Ambassador Gonzato delivered his speech at the conference: “Building trust in elections: Political Financing and Electoral Reform in Albania”, organized by International IDEA and the Rule of Law Center of the University of Helsinki, in cooperation with the Central Election Commission, where he emphasized electoral reform.
“An electoral reform is needed that creates an environment with genuine competitiveness and equality for all parties. We are calling for an inclusive reform, in line with the OSCE-ODIHR recommendations,” Gonzato emphasized.
The statements come as the Parliament of Albania has set up the special commission on electoral reform that will review the OSCE-ODIHR recommendations, co-chaired by representatives of the two largest parliamentary parties, PS and PD.
Meanwhile, the financing of political parties was among the topics discussed at the conference, where Gonzato stated that transparency in the financing of political parties is not only a legal obligation, but a guarantee for the protection of democracy and for avoiding external interference.
“Transparency in the financing of parties provides greater assurance for strengthening democracy. It closes the space for corruption and protects the integrity of the political process,” the ambassador declared.
He underlined that the European Union has continuously supported Albania in this process and pointed out that the country is at a decisive moment, as it is expected to move towards the closure of the negotiation chapters.
Gonzato added that financial transparency is essential to protect political parties and institutions from any possible foreign influence, describing it as an element of national security and democratic integrity.
“Transparent financing of parties is a matter of democratic integrity and public trust. This is also important to protect parties from foreign interference,” he said.
Also at the conference, the preliminary findings of a study by International IDEA on access to political financing for young people and persons with disabilities were presented.
For his part, the State Election Commissioner, Ilirjan Celibashi, stated that within this month, a new law must be approved, which should address differently the issue of periodic financing of political parties.
He made known the concrete proposals of the CEC, emphasizing that there is a need for improved rules regarding the financing of political parties and electoral subjects.
“A law that guarantees us clarity on who finances whom and how much, full auditing and efficiency of the institutions that supervise and control financing,” said Celibashi.
According to the chief commissioner, the CEC’s annual reports for the last 3 years show a low level of financial reporting by the parties. (9 December)
