New voting regulations approved for Albanian Diaspora voters

The Regulatory Commission of the Central Election Commission (CEC) has adopted new rules for the registration of overseas voters and the preparation of the electoral list, in preparation for the 2025 parliamentary elections.

Why is this important: After decades of demanding the possibility to vote, Albanians living abroad will be able to participate in the 2025 parliamentary elections. The new procedures and regulations are designed to simplify the voting process for voters and ensure that it is uncontested by electoral entities, promoting a transparent and inclusive election process.

Context: The decision by the Regulatory Commission sets out general rules as dictated by law concerning the voter registration process and the designated authority responsible for managing this process. Key to this framework is that registration on the overseas electoral list is initiated voluntarily by the individual voter, necessitating deregistration from the domestic voter list where they were previously listed before moving abroad.

What’s new: 

·        Detailed registration procedures: 

Specific rules related to submitting registration requests include strict deadlines and necessary documentation that must accompany these requests. The process of creating the list of voters voting from abroad and their registration is managed by the State Election Commissioner. Each voter must apply individually, and these applications are directed to the Central Electoral Commission following the outlined procedures and deadlines.

·        Implementation via online platform

The registration process is facilitated through an electronic platform (PER), which is maintained and updated by the Central Electoral Commission. This platform is accessible in both mobile and desktop versions and is provided free of charge to eliminate cost barriers and improve accessibility for all voters, regardless of their technological resources.

·        Supervision and transparency

The decision also outlines the methods for reviewing incoming requests and the components of the overseas voter list, including communication methods and timelines with the Central Electoral Commission, as well as other technical modalities and rules for compiling this list. Additionally, stringent rules are in place for overseeing and controlling the registration process to guarantee transparency and open access to all stakeholders at every step of the process. This includes the right of political parties, non-governmental organizations (both Albanian and international), international governance and democratization agencies, accredited foreign state representatives, and the media to fully access all elements of the PER, especially during operational testing, control, or audit phases.

·        Collaboration and consultation

The regulatory updates were finalized after comprehensive consultations with representatives from political parties, diaspora organizations, local civil society groups focused on governance and democratization, and the media. This collaborative effort ensures that the new regulations not only comply with legal standards but also meet the practical needs of the Albanian diaspora.