EU Ambassador calls for focus to shift to cooperation in parliament and electoral reform
The European Commission seems to consider Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections a closed political chapter. According to EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, attention must now shift to Parliament, where political forces are expected to work together on a comprehensive electoral reform aligned with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
Why is this important: The EU’s position carries weight as Albania continues its EU integration path. Brussels is signaling that the election outcome stands, and the burden now falls on the new majority to lead an inclusive reform process.
Context: Ambassador Gonzato made his comments in Korçë following a municipal meeting. He emphasized that the responsibility for the upcoming electoral reform lies with the governing majority, which secured a clear parliamentary mandate.
“It is time for the Albanian government and Parliament to approve a comprehensive electoral reform that integrates all past and present recommendations from OSCE/ODIHR. The result and responsibility lie with the government, which clearly has the numbers to carry out this wide-ranging reform,” Gonzato stated.
He added that such reform is also a public expectation, given Albania’s EU candidacy.
On OSCE/ODIHR report: Gonzato pointed to the official OSCE/ODIHR monitoring report to address questions about election standards. The report, he noted, recognizes that the elections met international benchmarks, though it flagged issues such as the misuse of public resources.
“The administration of the election process was commended,” Gonzato said, reiterating that lingering concerns should be addressed through reform, not by disputing the legitimacy of the process.
The EU ambassador commended the Central Election Commission, SPAK, and the General Prosecutor’s Office for their coordination during the election period.
“I want to praise the Central Election Commission for their work, as well as the General Prosecutor’s Office and SPAK. Their cooperation was exemplary,” Gonzato said.
To the opposition:
Regarding the Democratic Party’s refusal to accept the election results, Gonzato underlined that complaints must be directed through legal channels—but that should not prevent opposition parties from engaging constructively in Parliament.
“Any party that believes there were irregularities should report them to the competent authorities. That’s how things should be handled,” Gonzato stated, while expressing hope that all parties remain committed to Albania’s EU integration path.
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