TIRANA, April 28 /ATA/ The Ambassador of Germany in our country, Peter Zingraf, praised the April 25 election process in Albania, striking a tone of hope that all political stakeholders will adopt a constructive and cooperative approach in the future and recognize the outcome.
“The election day last Sunday was calm and peaceful almost everywhere. The fact that a large number of Albanian citizens cast their ballot is a clear testimony of their desire to co-decide. The new electoral code successfully passed its first test,” said Zingraf.
According to him, the election process was smooth and with no frictions, the election administration at the central and local level did a good job. “My thanks go to them,” he said.
Zingraf says that he has gone over the OSCE / ODIHR’s preliminary report and is awaiting the final one.
“All accusations and complaints about the elections, including those for vote buying, must be handled without delay and with determination. At this point the Central Election Commission and the judiciary must assume an important responsibility. The restraint and prudence of many candidates on election day deserves respect. I hope that all political actors will continue to adopt a constructive and cooperative approach to each other. Other than that, we expect them to recognize the result of the elections”, declared the German ambassador.
For us, Zingraf says, Albania’s further path towards EU membership is of paramount importance.
“I expect that all parties and political actors will actively contribute in this direction and through other reforms more steps forward will be taken. Congratulations to the Socialist Party on the victory. Its government will play a key role in this process of reforms. I also congratulate the Democratic Party, which marked a significant increase compared to the previous elections. A healthy democracy needs a strong parliamentary opposition as well as its active involvement and contribution, for example in laws and decisions that require a qualified majority. Germany will continue to support Albania on its path,” the statement said. \
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