TIRANA, Feb 26 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ The Chairman of the Special Anti-Corruption Commission, Fatmir Xhafaj, stated on Wednesday that the People’s Advocate is the only position elected by a 3/5 majority in Parliament, and proposed establishing a mechanism to ensure a fairer and more impartial process.
In the parliamentary committee meeting, Xhafaj stated that “The People’s Advocate is currently elected by the opposition.”
He stated that “from the very start, it is a biased election, a political election.”
“We’ve removed this requirement for all other institutions and found a way to break the deadlock. However, it remains the only institution that needs both a quorum and 3/5 majority, and the deadlock persists, with the opposition usually proposing and electing it. The identity of the opposition doesn’t matter; we have begun with a political process,” Xhafaj added.
He suggested establishing a body by political consensus in the case of the People’s Advocate, but it is a decision made by multiple actors, including representatives from independent institutions.
“I propose the establishment of a mechanism, a mixed body represented by local councils, representatives from independent institutions, civil society, and local government, to establish a national quorum. The candidates compete, are voted on there, and Parliament will have the opportunity to choose from three candidates. This would involve Parliament in a statutory process, enabling it to suggest alternatives and platforms for the candidates,” Xhafaj added.
He stated that if they are not elected by Parliament, the individual who ranks first in the national quorum will be automatically chosen as the Ombudsman. /j.p//sm/
