The Comprehensive Reform a Necessity The Electoral Administration should be freed from the Influence of the Political Parties
Tirana, 15.09.2016. The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and Sustainable Democracy (CFFE) closely monitored the electoral process of the Partial Elections for Mayor in the Municipality of Dibër, on September 11, 2016. This process was very important as it was organized one year after the 2015 Local Elections, and very close to the 2017 Parliamentary Elections, but more importantly, on the eve of an electoral reform which is necessary to ensure free and fair elections in Albania, according to the much needed international standards.
CFFE accredited 10 volunteers' long-term observers, to monitor the electoral process, focusing on the electoral campaign, the work of the election administration in preparing and holding elections and the vote counting process. These phases of the electoral process have constantly been subject to the observations and recommendations of local and international observers.
The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and Sustainable Democracy calls on Members of Parliament to vote in favor of the Justice System Reform
Today, on 18 July 2016, CFFE called on all Members of Parliament to vote FOR the Justice Reform. Each Member of Parliament received a personalized written call which stressed the primary importance of this reform for democracy in Albania and was seeking their votes of support. Believing that every moment of misused and lost opportunity would lead to unnecessary delays that would harm Albanians, CFFE stressed in this call the personal responsibility of each MP towards Albanian citizens.
In further support of the Justice Reform, CFFE also joined the Citizens’ Group For the Justice Reform (CGJR), represented by non-profit organizations, civil society activists, public figures and ordinary citizens. While the Justice Reform is going to be voted in Parliament on July 21, CGJR organized today’s peaceful demonstration in front of the Parliament in support of the Justice Reform.
CFFE Press Statement in the framework of the Election Situation Room “The Election Room for the Electoral Reform”
In the framework of the Election Situation Room's project, CFFE aims at the promotion of depoliticization and professionalism of the election management bodies (EMB) in Albania and lobbing to the Ad Hoc Committee on Electoral Reform to guarantee such a standard in the Electoral Code. In fulfilling this goal, CFFE will work with political parties and not against them to guarantee the best standard and practices in election management. CFFE believes that the depoliticizing of electoral management and the guaranteeing of professionalism in every level of the administration of elections is in the interest of political parties and voters alike and serves the general public interest for free and fair elections. We are aware that not all political parties share the same opinion. Especially the major parliamentary parties are still reluctant to break away from the concept of management of elections as a privilege and not as a civic responsibility. But we consider this fact a source for greater motivation. We understand that more work, persistence and dialogue is needed until we arrive at the depoliticization of election management.
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