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Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of Albania’s Central Election Commission (KQZ), called on authorities to implement recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR in preparation for the local elections scheduled for 9 May. In a statement to the media, Celibashi said the Commission would not seek changes to the Electoral Code in relation to the new administrative‑territorial division, but it would work to expand electronic voting and counting in as many municipalities as possible. Celibashi explained that the approval of the new territorial map requires the Electoral Code to be harmonised with the re‑organisation of local government. “The new law on administrative‑territorial division, as we have seen, requires harmonisation of the provisions of the Electoral Code with the new territorial organisation,” he said. “In particular, the provisions concerning the election of municipal council members, the criteria for determining the number of seats, and the structure of representation of different territorial units within a local unit must be reviewed.” He added that political parties and the Albanian Parliament must engage in the necessary legal changes so that the electoral process aligns with the new territorial structure. “The law on the new administrative‑territorial division is in force, and we have no reason to question what will happen with the various legal actions of interested parties,” Celibashi said. “We are committed to ensuring that all measures related to the preparation of the upcoming elections are adapted to the new territorial changes.” When asked about the Democratic Party’s opposition to the new territorial map in the Constitutional Court, Celibashi said the KQZ would continue its preparations based on the law in force, without taking into account the actions of parties that may oppose it. “We do not have a legal basis to discuss this issue,” he said. “We are engaged in ensuring that all measures related to the preparation of the next elections are adapted to the new territorial changes.” The Commission’s position on electronic voting and counting remained unchanged. Celibashi said the KQZ aims to expand electronic voting and counting as widely as possible, but that a consensus among political forces is required. “Our stance on electronic voting and counting is unchanged. We want this method to be expanded as much as possible in these elections,” he said. “The Democratic Party is the main opposition party, and while we cannot allow them to dictate this issue, they are free to maintain their position. The KQZ is not a party in this debate, and it is up to the parties themselves to reach a consensus.” Celibashi also rejected the Democratic Party’s claims regarding the security of the electronic voting system, stating that the concerns raised “do not hold up.” The party’s allegations remain unverified. Article source: 24 Orë | Image credit: 24 Orë
Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of Albania’s Central Election Commission (KQZ), called on authorities to implement recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR in preparation for the local elections scheduled for 9 May. In a statement to the media, Celibashi said the Commission would not seek changes to the Electoral Code in relation to the new administrative‑territorial division, but it would work to expand electronic voting and counting in as many municipalities as possible. Celibashi explained that the approval of the new territorial map requires the Electoral Code to be harmonised with the re‑organisation of local government. “The new law on administrative‑territorial division, as we have seen, requires harmonisation of the provisions of the Electoral Code with the new territorial organisation,” he said. “In particular, the provisions concerning the election of municipal council members, the criteria for determining the number of seats, and the structure of representation of different territorial units within a local unit must be reviewed.” He added that political parties and the Albanian Parliament must engage in the necessary legal changes so that the electoral process aligns with the new territorial structure. “The law on the new administrative‑territorial division is in force, and we have no reason to question what will happen with the various legal actions of interested parties,” Celibashi said. “We are committed to ensuring that all measures related to the preparation of the upcoming elections are adapted to the new territorial changes.” When asked about the Democratic Party’s opposition to the new territorial map in the Constitutional Court, Celibashi said the KQZ would continue its preparations based on the law in force, without taking into account the actions of parties that may oppose it. “We do not have a legal basis to discuss this issue,” he said. “We are engaged in ensuring that all measures related to the preparation of the next elections are adapted to the new territorial changes.” The Commission’s position on electronic voting and counting remained unchanged. Celibashi said the KQZ aims to expand electronic voting and counting as widely as possible, but that a consensus among political forces is required. “Our stance on electronic voting and counting is unchanged. We want this method to be expanded as much as possible in these elections,” he said. “The Democratic Party is the main opposition party, and while we cannot allow them to dictate this issue, they are free to maintain their position. The KQZ is not a party in this debate, and it is up to the parties themselves to reach a consensus.” Celibashi also rejected the Democratic Party’s claims regarding the security of the electronic voting system, stating that the concerns raised “do not hold up.” The party’s allegations remain unverified.
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