OSCE Ambassador: Strong institutions essential to safeguard free and fair elections in Albania
Just days before the official launch of Albania’s election campaign, the OSCE Presence in Tirana and the General Prosecutor’s Office hosted a high-level roundtable on strengthening the role of prosecutors in combating electoral crimes.
Why this is important: The event sent a clear message: tackling vote buying, voter intimidation, and misuse of state resources requires independent, accountable institutions and swift, thorough investigation of all allegations. It comes amid lingering concerns over electoral integrity, especially following critical OSCE/ODIHR reports on past Albanian elections.
Context: Speaking at the roundtable, OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran emphasized that “electoral integrity is at the heart of any democratic society,” and ensuring free and fair elections demands strong institutions, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Tarran noted that prosecutors, judicial police, and State Police officials have a critical duty to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes, including threats against voters and vote buying — problems that, according to ODIHR’s reports on the 2021 parliamentary and 2023 local elections, remain persistent and concerning in Albania.
“The final ODIHR reports point to continued challenges, particularly related to vote buying, abuse of administrative resources, and voter intimidation,” said Tarran. “Law enforcement bodies must make every effort to identify and investigate all allegations quickly, independently, and transparently.”
What else: Tarran also underlined the need for public awareness about complaint mechanisms, protections for whistleblowers, and safeguards against retaliation. He welcomed the proactive steps taken by the General Prosecutor’s Office, SPAK, the CEC, and the State Police, and highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation, including the presence of SPAK and prosecutorial representatives at the CEC during the elections.
General Prosecutor Olsian Çela echoed that message, noting the significance of a new protocol signed between the General Prosecutor’s Office, SPAK, the Central Election Commission, and State Police. Under this agreement, each polling station will have an assigned judicial police officer and prosecutor on standby to respond to electoral crimes.
The event brought together prosecutors, police, electoral officials, and representatives from civil society, in what is seen as a coordinated push for stronger, cleaner elections on May 11.
Go deeper
First deportation transfer under Italy-Albania migration deal: 40 migrants to arrive in Shëngjin today
Published on April 11, 2025
Why this is important: This marks a shift in how the Italy-Albania agreement is applied. Originally intended for processing asylum seekers rescued at sea, the Gjadër center will now also serve as a holding facility for individuals who have exhausted legal avenues in Italy and are awaiting deportation. Migrants can now be held there for up to 18 months while return arrangements are made.
Piepoli Poll: Socialist Party on track for fourth term as opposition support dips
Published on April 11, 2025
Why this is important: With 50.5% support, PS is projected to secure a fourth consecutive term. The center-right opposition — led by Berisha and backed by former Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita — trails significantly, down to 37%. Smaller parties are gaining modest traction, but remain distant in the rankings.
Edi Rama praises Trump in Bloomberg interview, says Kushner resort project not political favor
Published on April 10, 2025
Why this is important: The interview highlights how Trump-era political and business networks are playing a visible role in Albania’s political scene ahead of the May 11 parliamentary elections — with figures like Kushner, Chris LaCivita, and Ric Grenell all mentioned in connection with local developments.