TIRANA, May 27 /ATA/ – The European Union’s Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, has highlighted the need for a comprehensive electoral reform aligned with both past and current OSCE recommendations.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the southeastern city of Korça on Tuesday, the EU Ambassador called on the government and parliament to approve a new electoral reform that addresses the OSCE recommendations, emphasizing importance of the step as part of Albania’s EU accession path.
“I don’t know whether final recommendations have been unveiled, but I have obviously seen the initial recommendations. A very clear statement has also been issued by Brussels and it contains a very important element I would like to highlight, as the EU’s High Representative Kallas has already said, now it is time for the Albanian government, as well as parliament, to adopt a comprehensive electoral reform that addresses all the previous and current OSCE/ODIHR recommendations,” Gonzato told reporters.
“Given the election outcome, the government now has a greater responsibility to act, as it holds the necessary majority,” the EU diplomat stated, underlining that “this is what Albanians expect, as Albania progresses on the path towards becoming EU member.”
Gonzato praised the Central Election Commission (CEC) for its administration of the elections and cooperation with the General Prosecutor’s Office and SPAK.
Asked about the opposition’s refusal to recognize the May 11 parliamentary elections, he said that all parties claiming irregularities should take their cases to the respective bodies, adding: “I hope all parties will work together toward Albania’s European future.”
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