The meeting aimed at tackling the issue of voter pressure and focused on safeguarding one of the fundamental electoral principles, such as the right to free and secret voting.

The session brought together key stakeholders, representatives from state institutions, political parties, law enforcement, civil society, and international experts to discuss steps toward securing electoral integrity.

Discussions focused on challenges highlighted in recent OSCE/ODIHR election reports. Particular attention was paid to the complexities introduced by new voting technologies and out-of-country voting, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and individuals with literacy challenges.

OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran pointed out several ongoing challenges in Albania’s electoral processes, underlining that the need to ensure that citizens can freely cast their votes without fear, a principle central to the legitimacy of any election.

In his remarks, Ambassador Tarran focused on the voting secrecy and the need to prevent pressure on voters.

“Voting secrecy is a core commitment under the OSCE’s Copenhagen Document. It is vital that every citizen can make their choice without fear of coercion or retaliation. This is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process and for ensuring the legitimacy of the institutions formed after elections,” Tarran said.

“voter secrecy throughout the entire electoral process, particularly during the casting and counting of votes, is seen as one of the most important aspects of the voters’ rights and it protects voters from any potential external pressures,” he added.

He called for collaboration among all stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental, saying it  will be key to success.

“Political parties must act responsibly in their interactions with voters, and train their commissioner and party officials to discourage any practices that might compromise the integrity of the vote. Additionally, civil society must be supported to play its role in educating voters about their right to cast their ballots in secrecy and, at the same time, emphasizing the responsibility of voters to respect the secrecy of the ballot for themselves and for others,” Tarran said.

/r.e//u.sh/