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Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
All courts that have a competency in elections should be fully operational during the electoral periods. The independence and the impartiality of the Central Election Commission and the judiciary should be ensured.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
In order to ensure transparency of electoral dispute resolution outcomes, all decisions of the Electoral College could be published promptly and be accessible to all.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To respect the principle of equal opportunity, the nationwide 1 per cent threshold for independent candidates should be reconsidered.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Electoral System
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to strengthen transparency and avoid any delays in administering elections, the CEC should publish a comprehensive electoral calendar with respective deadlines, including for adopting sub-legal acts, for training and logistical tasks.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Local authorities should ensure that all voters are informed in a timely manner about the place and time for voter list scrutiny and the location of their respective voting centres. Considerations could be given to moving deadlines for notification of voters closer to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The possibility for leaders of political parties to compete in several electoral districts should be revised to maintain the principle of equality.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to ensure legal certainty, considerations could be given to revising provisions related to the maximum number of candidates on the lists and the sequencing of candidates of different genders.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As prescribed by the Electoral Code, all relevant election-related decisions, including those concerning sanctions, should be reviewed by the Complaints and Sanctions Commission and Electoral College.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities should inform all voters about the location of their respective voting centres and consistently display voter lists across all municipalities. Consideration should be given to moving the deadline for notifying voters closer to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To ensure legal certainty and an effective legal remedy, the Complaints and Sanctions Commission should ensure uniform decision-making, avoiding inconsistent legal reasoning.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Dispute Resolution
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To enhance the transparency of the electoral process and contribute to public trust, all observers should be entitled to copies of the voting results protocols.
Recommendation # in final report:
27
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Observation
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration could be given to increasing the amount of the fine for electoral subjects that do not respect the gender requirement for candidate lists, and to making receipt of public funds for campaign finance contingent on respecting the gender requirement, in line with the OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission “Guidelines on Political Party Regulation”.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Participation of Women
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended so as to clearly specify the role of the CEAZs and the CEC with regards to the mayoral and municipal council elections for Tirana.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure equality of the vote, seat distribution among electoral districts should be based on current population distribution statistics, as required by law.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Electoral System
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Legal deadlines for the registration of candidates for local elections should be aligned with practical deadlines such as the printing of the ballots and the deadlines for appeals. This is particularly relevant in local elections since the number and variety of ballots to be printed is much higher than in parliamentary elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration could be given to assigning the CEC a role in ensuring that the Electoral Code is enforced regarding the allocation of voters to VCs, the maximum number of voters per VC, and the location of VCs. The issue of location of VCs in private premises should be addressed well before the next elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The CEC could consider setting a working schedule for ballot counting centres. Consideration could be given to imposing fines on counting team members and their nominating parties for absence or refusal to work.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should clearly specify the deadline after which changes in citizen registration status will not be reflected in the Final Voter Lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voter List
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The authorities should investigate any specific claims that voters have been added to the civil register and the voter lists in contravention of the law.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voter List
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The exemption from signature support requirement granted to parliamentary political parties should be equally available to a candidate, proposed by voters, holding a mandate in the parliament, or in a local council.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The CEC should post detailed preliminary results by voting centre on the internet immediately, in order to enhance the transparency of the results tabulation process.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Counting, Aggregation and Announcement of Results
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Electoral College should act within its jurisdiction, and compel the CEC to adopt required decisions. Any CEC decision with a discretionary component should be referred back to the CEC with an order to take a (new) decision. In the event that the CEC is ultimately not able to adopt such decisions, alternative mechanisms to address such impasses could be explored through an inclusive process.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
BCC layout should allow observers to properly follow all aspects of counting and results tabulation. While ensuring full and effective access, consideration could be given to limit numbers of partisan observers to reduce overcrowding.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voting and Counting
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to further promote women candidates. The existing provision allowing the CEC to reorder candidate lists could be enforced as well as considering other possible sanctions for non-compliance. The Electoral Code could also be amended to require more balanced and consistent positioning of women candidates throughout party lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Accurate data on media ownership should be made public in order to disclose potential influence on the editorial policy and to implement existing legal provisions on media concentration.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
In order to ensure effective redress, legal deadlines for the adjudication of complaints should be respected. All bodies investigating electoral complaints, including the prosecutor offices, should be completed in a timely manner so as to guarantee an effective remedy. Both the CEC and the Electoral College should ensure consistency in their decisions to provide for legal certainty. To enhance transparency and accountability, the CEC and the Electoral College should publish information on complaints and decisions in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to ensure that rules are consistently applied and that voters are treated equally, changes to voting rules should not take place on election day, barring a force majeure.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To further enhance transparency and confidence in the process, consideration should be given to provide electoral stakeholders with the opportunity to directly observe the verification of candidate support signatures. The process should be clearly defined and include steps to be taken if challenges occur.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to strengthening existing special measures to enhance the political participation of women, in line with international standards. This could include requiring the alternation of men and women on candidate lists, as well as providing and enforcing effective and proportionate sanctions, including refusal to register, against non-compliance with such measures.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The layout and practical arrangements at the BCCs should allow for all observers to meaningfully follow all aspects of counting and tabulation procedures.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Law enforcement bodies should investigate all allegations of electoral violations thoroughly, swiftly and in a transparent manner. The government should establish a procedure by which current and prospective public administration employees may report any political pressures brought upon them in connection with obtaining or retaining a position or with work performance. Such persons should enjoy the protections currently guaranteed by law to whistle-blowers.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
To increase the transparency of the work, the Central Election Commission should systematically and in a timely manner publish all decisions on its website.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to guarantee legal certainty and effective election administration, binding sub-regulations should be in line with the primary legislation and be enacted in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency and public confidence, adequate time and resources for effective preparation and meaningful possibilities for public and independent scrutiny of election technologies should be ensured. In case of use of electronic voting on a larger scale, applying verification methods such as risk limiting audits should be considered.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC and other stakeholders should continue in-person voter education programmes tailored to the needs of the Roma and Egyptian national minorities. Additional efforts could be made by the authorities to facilitate application for or renewal of ID cards by the voters in need.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Sub-legal acts regulating the electoral process should be adopted in a timely manner to ensure legal certainty, effective preparation and public understanding.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To enhance transparency and increase public confidence, adequate resources should be allocated well in advance to ensure effective preparation and meaningful public independent scrutiny of election technologies.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Audiovisual Media Authority should be provided with sufficient material and technical resources to enhance its media monitoring and reporting capacity.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended to address the validity of ballots cast in the wrong ballot box, procedures for including such ballots in the table of results, and the procedures to be followed in case of discrepancies when the number of ballots cast exceeds the number of signatures in the voter list. The Electoral Code may also benefit from a review of the definition of contested ballots and of the procedures for contesting ballots.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
In order to increase the transparency and accuracy of the voter lists, and building on the improvements to voter lists reflected in these elections, the Ministry of Interior and local authorities should increase efforts to ensure that all voters on the voter lists have an accurate address code. Consideration could be given to identifying voters known to be residing out of country.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voter List
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The CEC should be given sufficient resources and staff to carry out its responsibilities to oversee implementation of the rules on campaign and party financing.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Ballot counting centres should be laid out in such a way that observers can properly follow all aspects of the vote counting. The distance between the space reserved for observers, the counting tables, and CEAZ meetings should not be such that meaningful observation becomes impossible.
Recommendation # in final report:
27
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Counting, Aggregation and Announcement of Results
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Collaboration between central and local authorities on measures to reduce suspected duplicate records and the number of voters without a complete address code should continue and intensify in order to resolve the remaining issues with the accuracy of voter data.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
All stakeholders should respect a clear separation of partisan observation and the work of the election administration, and comply with the legal provisions.
Recommendation # in final report:
28
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voting and Counting
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
The legal framework regulating electoral dispute resolution should be comprehensively reviewed to eliminate gaps and ambiguities identified in this and previous OSCE/ODIHR reports, including with regards to subjects entitled to appeal, deadlines for the adjudication of complaints, and the jurisdiction of voter list and campaign-related complaints.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Election commissions and courts should refrain from handling complaints in an overly formalistic manner, give thorough consideration to all cases, and examine the substance of all relevant evidence in adjudicating complaints and appeals.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Rules on candidate Registration, including procedures for the collection, verification, and validation of support signatures, should be clear and regulated sufficiently in advance of the elections to ensure consistency and legal certainty.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Decisions related to candidate registration should be taken prior to the start of the campaign period to provide equal opportunity for all contestants. The Electoral Code should include provisions regarding the time and conditions for the withdrawal of registered candidates. Safeguards should be established to ensure that the right to withdraw candidates is not abused.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
The AMA should conduct media monitoring during and between elections in order to implement legal provisions on the unbiased coverage of political actors, including provisions on the equitable news coverage of contestants during election campaigns. The members of the AMA should be appointed in a manner that ensures its independence from political influence.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
To facilitate public access to a broader range of political viewpoints and counterbalance commercial media's affiliation with those in power, the authorities should consider strengthening the public broadcast service by providing it with sufficient financial and editorial freedom from the government.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration should be given to increasing the transparency of the tabulation process, including during the data entry of results at CEAZs. All observers should be entitled to receive certified copies of the results.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The authorities should undertake electoral reform that is inclusive, timely, and based on sound policy analysis, to address the recommendations contained in this and prior OSCE/ODIHR reports. Provisions across different election-related laws should be harmonized, particularly in respect of campaigning, campaign finance, and media.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The rules on candidate registration and withdrawals should be formulated precisely and their implementation by the Central Election Commission should be guided by the principle of legal certainty.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Albania should ensure the security of citizens’ personal data. Relevant institutions should thoroughly investigate and sanction any breach which impacts public confidence in the electoral process.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Considerations should be given to reviewing the threshold for voters’ support to ensure the same conditions applicable to independent and party-nominated candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To facilitate women’s active participation in public and political life, including at mayoral elections, authorities at all levels should undertake comprehensive legal, institutional and educational efforts to overcome existing gender stereotypes. Political parties should identify and curb any possible gender-based barriers for women candidates, including by reviewing current intra-party practices that hinder more effective representation of women within party structures and as candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To address outstanding ODIHR recommendations as well as various ambiguities and inconsistencies, the electoral legal framework should be comprehensively reformed through an inclusive consultative process well before the next elections, in line with international standards and good practice.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure the stability of the election administration, consideration should be given to depoliticising the nomination procedure of lower-level election administration, also limiting arbitrary and last-minute replacements of commission members to ensure adequate and timely training for all members.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To strengthen the capacity and professionalism of Ballot Counting Teams, the CEC should undertake specific training sessions on the counting procedures, develop a standardized training curriculum including easy-to-understand manuals and information sheets on the counting process.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Voter education efforts on e-voting should be intensified with a focus on enhancing voter awareness of the procedures for e-voting and ensuring that all voters are able to vote independently.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
The Use of Technology in Elections
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To remove any ambiguities in the legislation regarding campaigning, the use of administrative resources for electoral purposes should be prohibited from the call of the elections until election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a level playing field, authorities should take measures to prevent misuse of office and state resources. Proportional dissuasive sanctions should be imposed swiftly against such violations.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with good practice, the law should clearly define which pre-electoral activities constitute campaign expenses, ensuring they are subject to appropriate reporting, oversight and potential sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Footage prepared by political parties or government authorities should be appropriately labelled as political advertising and therefore banned from news and other editorial programs. Effective measures to address violations should be in place and should be enforced in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To strengthen the capacity and professionalism of lower-level election commissions, the CEC should develop a standardized cascade training curriculum including easy-to-understand manuals and information sheets.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
When determining the location of voting centres, election authorities and municipalities should take proactive measures to ensure accessibility to and within the voting centres for persons with disabilities.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure greater participation of women, the CEC should ensure that lower-level election commissions are gender balanced, including in the appointment of women in leadership positions.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To safeguard integrity and enhance public trust, decisions regarding the use of technology in elections should adhere to the existing regulatory framework, and should not be made in response to political pressure.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
The Use of Technology in Elections
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
If the scaling-up of electronic voting is considered in the future, then the use of voting technologies should be managed in a comprehensive, transparent and integrated manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
The Use of Technology in Elections
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To comply with international standards and to ensure universal suffrage and equal treatment before the law, all restrictions to the right to vote based on intellectual or psychosocial disability should be removed, including those based on individual assessment by court.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Following inclusive consultation with relevant stakeholders, campaign activities and political advertising on social networks, including their financing, should be regulated while respecting the right of the freedom of expression.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To help protect the free expression of the will of electors, law enforcement bodies should make all efforts to identify and investigate all allegations of electoral violations, in a thorough, timely and transparent manner. Voters should be systematically informed about applicable mechanisms for reporting violations, including protection for whistle-blowers and safeguards against repercussions.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To increase women’s political participation, public funding could be linked to concrete inclusivity measures. Political parties should consider steps to reform internal party mechanisms to increase women’s representation within party structures, including access to funds
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a level playing field, the legal framework should also include a reasonable ceiling on campaign expenses for candidates running on party or coalition lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency, authorities should consider regulating online and third-party campaigning, including by the entities affiliated with political parties, and define relevant conditions for third-party campaigning and adequate reporting and sanctioning mechanisms.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To strengthen transparency and accountability, the CEC should be granted additional financial and human resources, along with an enhanced mandate, to enable a meaningful audit of campaign finance reports, including the power to investigate donation sources.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
State authorities, in order to fulfil their positive obligations under international law, should promote an independent and diverse media environment that is free from political and corporate influence. Comprehensive media-ownership regulation should be adopted and its effective implementation reinforced. Furthermore, measures should be introduced to safeguard editorial autonomy against influence by business and political interests.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Legislative changes should ensure effective depoliticization and genuine institutional independence of both the Public Broadcaster and the Audio-visual Media Authority in line with international good practice. These changes should include broad public consultation with independent media and civil society representatives.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Defamation should be fully decriminalized and civil defamation provisions brought in line with international standards on freedom of expression.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The rules in the Electoral Code for the allocation of airtime in editorial coverage should be amended to reduce the advantage given to the largest parliamentary parties and ensure a more equitable allocation of airtime for all contestants.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2025
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC should take steps to prevent intimidation and undue influence on voters at voting centres, by strengthening the training and mandate of the voting centre security coordinators to ensure they are politically independent and empowered to act effectively on election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
It is recommended that any implementation of the legally mandated EVS and ECS pilots be started well ahead of the next elections, including essential preparations such as enactment of detailed regulations and system testing.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Constitutional Court should refrain from unduly refusing its jurisdiction to review Electoral College decisions and parliament’s decisions for violation of constitutional due process guarantees; expedited deadlines for filing and adjudication of election-related complaints in the Constitutional Court should be provided in the law.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC could consider adopting regulations to develop a framework to file and adjudicate campaign-related complaints for electoral commissions at all levels, including clear jurisdiction and timelines.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
In order to ensure the secrecy of the vote and integrity of the process, any association between a vote and a specific voter should not be possible.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Restrictions on the suffrage rights of persons with mental disabilities and non-citizens in local elections should be reconsidered.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration should be given to reviewing the law to ensure that the CEC has the appropriate powers and procedures to effectively oversee and enforce party and campaign finance rules.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The independence of the media regulator and public broadcaster should be further strengthened through measures that prevent conflict of interest. Senior management positions at the public broadcaster should not be accessible to people with clear political affiliation.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The audio-visual media law should be amended to effectively limit concentration of media ownership in the broadcast sector.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended to guarantee equal access to the media for all contesting parties in all types of editorial programming and to allow all contestants to purchase advertising space under equal conditions. Additional considerations could be given to allocating a certain amount of free time equally to all contestants.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Legislation should be amended to ensure that the media are able to independently cover activities of electoral contestants with a view to limit the use of party produced content in news programming and avoid misleading voters. Whenever content produced by political parties is used by the media, it should be clearly labelled.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Legislation should be amended to ensure that media are able to independently cover activities of electoral contestants with a view to limit the use of party produced content in the news.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure universal suffrage and equal treatment before the law, restrictions based on mental disabilities should be abolished and the obligation to register voters over 100 years old should be placed on the state.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Restrictions on the right to stand of those deported and under a search warrant, whose guilt has not been established by a court, should be lifted.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Authorities should consider legal changes to extend regulations and limits on donations and expenditures, as designated for political parties, to third parties.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to enhance the accountability of political parties and the overall transparency of the electoral process, consideration should be given to requiring contestants to disclose their campaign incomes and expenditures before election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC’s capacity to effectively enforce legal requirements concerning campaign finance oversight should be developed.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended to guarantee equal opportunities of all contesting parties to access the media, including advertising space. Additional considerations could be given to allocating a certain amount of free airtime equally to all contestants during the campaign.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to reviewing the law in order to clarify responsibility for complaints against the VCC decisions and those related to campaign violations, as well as to eliminate undue restrictions on legal standing of complainants.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Legal provisions related to the campaign, including those against misuse of administrative resources, should be reviewed to remove ambiguities and ensure a level playing field. The authorities, including the election administration and law enforcement bodies, should treat all election contestants equally.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
The authorities should ensure proper implementation of the Law on the Right to Information, decriminalize defamation and support independent journalism.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
In line with previous ODIHR recommendations and to ensure the stability of the election administration, consideration should be given to reviewing the system of nominating members and secretaries of the lower-level election administration. Measures should be introduced to exclude arbitrary replacements of members of the election administration.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
The use by media of material produced by parties or state authorities in news and information programmes should be avoided or limited to exceptional cases, particularly during election campaigns. Whenever aired, such material should be clearly identified as content produced by political contestants as required by law. Sanctions should be in place and enforced for violations related to identification requirements.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To ensure universal suffrage and equal treatment before the law, restrictions based on intellectual and psychosocial disabilities should be abolished.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Restrictions to the right to stand of those whose guilt in committing a crime has not been established by a final court decision should be lifted.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To enhance transparency, there should be periodic public disclosure of financial contributions to a campaign and the expenditure before election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
State authorities should promote an independent and genuinely diverse media environment that is free from political and corporate influence. Parliament should amend the Law on Audiovisual Media to limit the concentration of media ownership in the broadcasting sector and introduce measures to prevent undue influence of media owners over editorial policies.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code rules for the allocation of airtime to election contestants should be amended to reduce the advantage to the main parliamentary parties in editorial programming and to ensure a more equitable allocation of time for all contesting parties.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Electoral reform should be undertaken well in advance of the next parliamentary election. Discussion of electoral reform should include not only political parties, but also the Central Election Commission, relevant state authorities, and domestic observer groups.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The first recommendation from the OSCE/ODIHR Final Report on the 2009 parliamentary elections should be considered an immediate priority: Parties should demonstrate the political will for the conduct of democratic elections commensurate with the broad privileges they enjoy under the law in regard to the conduct of elections. They should discharge their electoral duties in a responsible manner for the general interest of Albania. This extends to the performance of election commissioners and elected and appointed officials at all levels, who should refrain from basing election-related actions and decisions on political considerations.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The formula for the composition of the Central Election Commission could be reconsidered so as to increase confidence in its independence and in its impartial application of the Electoral Code.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Measures should be taken to strengthen the independence of the public broadcaster from the influence of government and political parties in order to fully implement the goals of a public service broadcaster. Further measures to reduce the dependency upon the state budget should be considered.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
State bodies should make more effective efforts to address the problem of family voting. This issue should be stressed during the training of CEAZ and VC commissioners.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Legal limitations on paid advertisements in broadcast media based on party representation in the parliament should be amended. Paid airtime should be guaranteed on an equal basis to all contestants, and any limits on paid airtime should be applied on a non-discriminatory basis.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
No longer valid
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Clarifications on the media coverage of local elections, such as the allocation of airtime to candidates, political parties, coalitions, government activities, should be addressed by a comprehensive CEC instruction released before the start of the official campaign period.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Amendments to the Electoral Code could be enacted to prohibit discretionary replacement of CEAZ members by political parties. Additionally, the legal deadlines for VCC and counting team nominations should be strictly abided by. Consideration could be given to introduce alternative appointment mechanisms, similar to those in place for CEAZs, when political parties fail to nominate their candidates for VCCs and counting teams by established deadlines.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Authorities and political parties could consider more resolute steps to ensure that pressure is not applied on public-sector employees, political activists or others to attend campaign events or vote in a particular way. Any such pressure should be investigated with perpetrators brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to amending Article 84.1 of the Electoral Code, to further clarify that any campaign material prepared by electoral subjects be marked as propagandistic material and to not oblige broadcasters to air such pre-recorded material in newscasts.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
It is recommended that criminal provisions on libel and defamation be fully repealed and replaced with civil defamation provisions so as not to unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
It is recommended that the Electoral Code be revised to address existing shortcomings noted in this and previous OSCE/ODIHR reports, including provisions to ensure equal rights for independent candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Institutional independence of the CEC should be ensured. To this end, stakeholders should act in a commensurate manner concerning their role in CEC activities and election officials should refrain from basing actions and decisions on political considerations.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introducing a gender quota for VCCs and counting teams within the election administration to coincide with other national legislation.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to discontinue the practice of removing voters over the age of 100 from VLs and introduce non-discriminatory measures to eliminate deceased voters.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The abuse of state resources, including human resources, for campaign purposes could be more effectively prevented through improved enforcement and by holding those in violation accountable.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Law enforcement bodies could increase efforts of identifying, investigating and prosecuting instances of vote-buying.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency of campaign financing, it is recommended to oblige contestants to regularly report to the CEC all income and expenditures for campaign purposes and to require the CEC to publish preliminary campaign finance reports prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to enforcing the timely appointment of MMB members and to ensuring the process is inclusive of all the non-profit media organizations in order to identify suitable media professionals.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be made to further defining MMB duties and responsibilities, including procedures for dealing with complaints, and to increase training of media monitoring staff.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To increase women’s participation and campaign visibility, the public broadcaster could consider actively promoting women’s participation by providing women candidates with greater news coverage, while the MMB could include a gender component in its media monitoring methodology.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to reduce the deadline for the Electoral College to adjudicate pre-election day cases to three to five days (and not later than election day), to provide a right to judicial appeal, and to publish all Electoral College decisions.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Amendments to the Electoral Code could provide for the accreditation of media representatives as such rather than as observers, and to afford citizen observers the same rights as partisan observers.
Recommendation # in final report:
27
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Observation
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to establishing a more effective legal process for resolution of disputes against results, with a first instance court review and a right to judicial appeal. The CEC should examine in substance all relevant evidence in adjudicating post-election day complaints. The CEC could better inform electoral subjects of the legal process and of the technical requirements to resolve results-related disputes.
Recommendation # in final report:
29
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Post-Election day Developments
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Criminal provisions for defamation should be repealed in favour of civil remedies designed to restore the reputation harmed.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration should be given to abolish the provision of Article 84.1 of the Electoral Code that allows footage produced by political parties be aired in the news.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Blanket restrictions on the suffrage rights of persons with mental disabilities should be removed or be decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on specific circumstances. Consideration should be given to providing foreign citizens with the right to vote in local elections after a certain period of residence in the country provided that they fulfil the same legal requirements that apply to nationals.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities and political parties should ensure that pressure is not applied to public sector employees, political supporters or others to attend campaign events or vote in a particular way. Law enforcement bodies should take more resolute steps to prevent, identify, investigate, and prosecute proven instances of pressure and intimidation of voters as well as the misuse of state resources for campaign purposes.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Independent candidates should be provided with equal access to public funding.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration should be given to introducing additional mechanisms to allow voters with reduced mobility to exercise their right to vote, so as to further promote universal suffrage.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Restrictions on the suffrage rights of persons with mental disabilities should be removed. The automatic removal of voters over the age of 100 from voter lists should be discontinued and the obligation to verify the records of such voters be placed on the state.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Criminal provisions for defamation should be repealed in favour of civil remedies designed to restore the reputation harmed.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to enhance transparency, the law should guarantee the same rights for all observers and clearly stipulate that all observers be entitled to receive copies of results protocols.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Observation
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance the professional capacity of election commissions, the CEC could regularly offer trainings with certification of potential CEAZ, VCC, and counting team members and create a roster of certified people.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Authorities and political parties should consider more resolute steps to ensure that pressure is not applied on public-sector employees, political activists, and other citizens to attend campaign events or vote in a particular way. Any instances and allegations of pressure should be thoroughly and effectively investigated and prosecuted by relevant authorities. All cases, including their outcomes, should be publicly reported.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to ensure the editorial independence of the media, consideration should be given to abolish Article 84.1 of the Electoral Code and clearly prohibit political advertisements to be aired in the news.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal standing to appeal acts of the election administration to a judicial body should be granted to political parties and voters whose rights or interests are directly affected by such acts. Deadlines for adjudication could be shortened.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
With a view to strengthen pluralistic democracy, reaffirm the right of citizens to take part in government and demonstrate shared responsibility toward the integrity of the electoral process, political parties and other electoral stakeholders should engage in an open and inclusive dialogue and facilitate electoral reform addressing the recommendations contained in this and prior ODIHR reports.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The authorities and political parties should undertake utmost measures to eliminate the long-standing problem of misuse of administrative resources in and between elections. Authorities should issue precise rules that define how public resources may and may not be used for electoral purposes. Further steps should be taken to achieve the de-politicisation of the civil service and ensure that pressure is not applied on voters to attend campaign events or vote in a particular way.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Environment
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities should guarantee the voters’ right to a free and secret choice. The voting procedures should be reviewed to ensure the secrecy of the vote and protection against undue influence on voters. The importance of ballot secrecy should be emphasized during the training of election commissions and in voter education materials.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
In line with previous ODIHR recommendations, in order to enhance public confidence in the electoral process, consideration should be given to alternative formulas for nominating members of election administration, supported by procedural safeguards for their independence.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Effective measures should be taken to further strengthen the recruitment and training methods of commissioners in order to ensure their professionalism. To enhance the professional capacity of election commissions, the Central Election Commission could offer periodic training and certification of potential commissioners, with the aim of creating a roster of qualified people.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities should take a proactive role ensuring accessibility of voting centres for persons with disabilities. Premises that lack accessibility should be identified well in advance and alternative solutions offered where necessary.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
To prevent inflammatory and insulting language during campaign, political parties and electoral contestants could develop and adhere to a common code of conduct. Political parties should strengthen enforcement of their internal ethical codes, foster internal party democracy and ensure that their internal functions respect and promote transparency, equality and non-discrimination.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
Awareness should be raised about the importance of equal participation of women and men in public and political life, in both urban and rural areas, and with a particular emphasis on the role of women within political parties and electoral processes.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Albania
2019
EOM
Local
elections
The responsibilities of the MMB should be clearly defined. The MMB should adopt a monitoring methodology in a timely manner, publish without delay its media monitoring reports, as well as decisions and other types of letters and requests to the media. The MMB should be allotted adequate resources for more detailed media monitoring, including of regional broadcasters.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework needs further review to address outstanding ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations and a number of ambiguities and inconsistencies. The changes in the law should be preceded by an open and inclusive consultation process, and be enacted well before the next elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The state should guarantee the right to a free and secret choice. Any form of pressure to disclose whether and how people voted should be prevented.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Law enforcement agencies should intensify efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute cases of vote-buying. Citizens should be encouraged to report and provide evidence of any vote-buying or pressure.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To avoid unintentional invalidation of ballots and raise trust in the electoral process, the authorities should invest in timely voter education programmes tailored for different categories of voters.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Law enforcement bodies should investigate all allegations of electoral violations, including misuse of state resources, in a thorough, timely and transparent manner. Voters should be systematically informed about applicable mechanisms for reporting any instances of pressure and be assured they will not face negative consequences.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Law enforcement bodies should make all efforts to identify and independently investigate all allegations of electoral violations, including vote-buying, pressure on voters and misuse of administrative resources, in a thorough, timely and transparent manner. Voters should be systematically informed about applicable mechanisms for reporting violations, including protection for whistle-blowers and safeguards against repercussions.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities should make genuine efforts to raise awareness about the long-standing phenomenon of vote-buying and the risks it poses for the integrity of elections. Public denunciation of such practices before and during the campaign by key stakeholders, including state officials and party leaders, could serve as a potential deterrent.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To ensure the secrecy of the vote and to prevent intimidation of voters, group and proxy voting, the authorities should enforce effective procedural safeguards.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
To ensure a comprehensive and consistent electoral framework, all decision-making entities, including parliament, its political parties and other electoral stakeholders, should commit to meaningful electoral reform and address all ODIHR recommendations.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
The election administration, political parties and civil society should strive to further improve voter education programmes, in particular in regions. Consideration could be given to tailoring initiatives to the needs of national minorities, especially Roma and Egyptians, and voters with disabilities.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Authorities should better acquaint voters with election technologies and provide equal access to the voting process. Measures should be introduced to allow voters using new technologies to cast their ballots independently and in full secrecy.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Local authorities and the election administration should strengthen their efforts to ensure the accessibility of voting centres for people with disabilities and to improve their independent access to the electoral process.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration could be given to recruiting and training the technical operators in charge of electronic voter identification in a timely manner. The Central Election Commission should consider conducting an independent audit of the equipment and software before election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
Decisions on the allocation and transfer of public funds to eligible political parties should be taken in a timely manner to ensure effective access to these funds for campaign purposes. Consideration could be given to extending public campaign funding to independent candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2023
EOM
Local
elections
The Central Election Commission should consider all complaints and appeals in a timely manner and be properly prepared and resourced to do so. To ensure transparency all decisions on election disputes should be published promptly and accessible to all.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2025
Final report heading:
Election Dispute Resolution
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Political parties should be obliged to respect the deadlines in the electoral process, in particular the nomination and training of election commission members. The Electoral Code should specify measures to be applied when such deadlines are not met.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended so that provisions on the public funding of electoral subjects are specifically framed for local as well as parliamentary elections, and so that they do not to give undue advantage to parliamentary parties.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to clarify the provisions of the Electoral Code defining normative and other acts that may be adopted only by a qualified majority and to duly harmonize the applied definitions with the Law on Administrative Courts. Additionally, all electoral regulations and amendments should be adopted and published in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration could be given to making official, CEC-organized training mandatory for all voting centre and counting team members.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The possibility of political parties to replace their members on CEAZs, VCCs and counting teams should be limited to specific circumstances.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Legislation should specify how campaign material prepared by electoral subjects for broadcast should be identified. Political advertisements should be clearly differentiated from news broadcasts and other programming.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
The system for adjudication of electoral disputes should be reconsidered in order to provide guarantees for effective redress and to bring the system in line with constitutional provisions and principles of due process. There should be a possibility to challenge CEC decisions on tabulation of results directly before a judicial body rather than before the CEC itself.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2011
EOM
Local
elections
Efforts to ensure effective participation of Roma communities in public and political life, especially in elections, could be increased.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Electoral Code should guarantee the rights of all interested parties to lodge administrative complaints against decisions and actions of election commissions, campaign misconduct, election day irregularities, and results.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2013
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Amendments to the Electoral Code could provide all accredited observers equal access to copies of the aggregated table of results of VCs and EAZs.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2019
Final report heading:
Voting and Counting
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration should be given to enhancing the independence, impartiality, and professional capacity of the election commissions. The law could be amended to allow for non-partisan election commissioners at all levels to depoliticize the election administration. The CEC should impartially implement the letter and spirit of the law. The capacity of the CEC secretariat could be strengthened to ensure the effective exchange of essential information within the election administration.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
The Electoral Code should be amended in order to eliminate gaps and ambiguities identified in this and previous OSCE/ODIHR reports. The CEC should promptly address any emerging ambiguities and gaps in the law using regulations and instructions.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Expedited deadlines for the submission of financial reports to CEC auditors and their timely publication should be legally defined. To enhance transparency and accountability, contestants could be obliged to publish preliminary reports on campaign income and expenditures prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Efforts should be intensified to ensure that all voters are assigned an accurate address code and that duplicate records are verified and resolved. Measures should be put in place to discontinue the practice of removing voters over the age of 100 from voter lists and to ensure the effective registration of prisoners. The authorities should initiate timely investigations into specific claims that voters have been added to the civil register and voter lists in contravention of the law.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Additional efforts are needed to address the persistent issue of vote-buying, both through voter education and prosecutions, in order to restore confidence in the electoral process. A concrete and genuine commitment from political parties to condemn vote-buying practices could be made. Vote-buying should be clearly defined in the law and subject to proportionate and effective sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
Consideration could be given to revise the MMB methodology to include monitoring of the tone of the coverage and a wider range of broadcasters. The Electoral Code should clarify provisions for sanctions for unbalanced coverage; for instance, the broadcasters could receive a warning and a limited time to rebalance coverage before being fined.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Albania
2015
EOM
Local
elections
The CEC and other stakeholders could organise comprehensive in-person voter education programmes tailored to the needs of the Roma and Egyptian communities.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Robust efforts are needed to address the persistent issue of vote-buying, both through a civic awareness campaign and prosecutions, in order to promote confidence in the electoral process. A concrete and genuine commitment from political parties to combat vote-buying practices could be made. In addition, a public refusal by politicians to accept financial support from individuals with a criminal past would help build public trust in the integrity of the elections
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The government should analyse the effectiveness of previous attempts to counteract the abuse of state resources and employment-related pressures on voters. It should consider establishing a transparent, independent, and inclusive body with the task and competence to act and follow up if such matters are brought to its attention in the pre- and post-electoral period. Such a structure could be replicated on the regional level and be established in due time before the next elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The law could be amended to allow for non-partisan appointment of election commissioners and counting team members. The Electoral Code should be amended to prohibit discretionary replacement of CEAZ members by nominating parties. Consideration should also be given to introducing alternative mechanisms to appoint VCC and counting team members, when political parties fail to nominate their candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The state should guarantee the right to a free and secret choice. Any form of pressure to disclose how voters intend to vote or how they voted should be prevented. Any association between a voter and a specific vote should not be possible.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Efforts should be made to promote gender-balanced representation at all levels of election administration, including in decision-making positions.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Efforts to ensure accuracy of data for all voters, including assigning accurate address codes and resolving duplicate records, should be intensified. Furthermore, an effective voter notification delivery system should be introduced to ensure voters are informed in a timely manner about where the voter lists can be scrutinized and the location of their voting centre.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Campaign finance regulations should be harmonized and secondary legislation developed to ensure a sound methodology and access to full information about campaign financing for financial experts and voters before and after election day. Consideration could be given to defining deadlines for completion of post-election audits.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC and other stakeholders could organise further comprehensive in-person voter education programmes tailored to the needs of the Roma and Egyptian national minorities.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The law should clarify responsibilities for pre-election day complaints, according to their subject matter, to ensure effective remedy. Complaint procedures could be simplified and deadlines for complaint resolution shortened.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To guarantee equal suffrage for persons with disabilities, the authorities should take resolute measures to facilitate their independent participation in voting procedures and ensure that facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible and easy to use.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Albania
2017
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The voting centre's record of closing and voting results protocols should contain the number of voters registered at the voting centre. Reconciliation procedures should be strictly followed during the vote count and tabulation.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
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