In a media statement from Olympic Park in Tirana, where the first envelopes containing votes from the diaspora are being processed, Celibashi confirmed that the process is following all the protocols set by the Central Election Commission for handling election documents arriving in the Republic of Albania.

“So far, 735 envelopes, or rather votes, have arrived. We have just recorded the first two votes—one was from Germany, belonging to the Berat district, and the other was from France, for the Dibër district. The first two envelopes we opened are valid from every perspective,” he said.

Celibashi also explained to the media the procedures for handling the envelopes containing votes from the diaspora.

“We open the DHL envelope, and beneath the DHL envelope, we find Envelope B, which contains Envelope A, and inside Envelope A is the ballot paper. All Envelope B’s are then sorted by district and deposited in the corresponding voting boxes for each district. On May 11, after the voting process is closed and the counting process begins, we will take the Envelope B’s out of the box. After that, we will remove Envelope A’s. All Envelope A’s will be gathered in a separate box to ensure that the identity of the voter is not revealed, and then the counting process will begin,” explained Celibashi.

Using the Tirana district as an example, Celibashi said, “When the counting process begins for the domestic votes in the Tirana district, the counting and evaluation of votes from out of country voters registered in the district will also start.”

When asked about security measures, Celibashi explained that the boxes will remain in this area, which is monitored by cameras 24/7.

“Moreover, the footage is broadcast on six YouTube channels managed by the Central Election Commission, enabling voters with an interest or curiosity to watch and follow the process in real-time. Meanwhile, political parties and various observers have the opportunity to be on-site 24/7 to monitor the handling of these boxes. Police forces are present, and political party representatives may also be there at all times, should they wish,” he added.

Celibashi explained that any envelope with a timestamp after 7:00 PM on May 11 will not be subject to the counting and evaluation process.

/j.p/sm/