A constructive, inclusive, and timely debate on the standards and challenges of integrity in the upcoming electoral process, with a focus on electoral crimes, financial transparency, and the misuse of state resources.
Participating in the roundtable were leaders of law enforcement and electoral institutions — Ilirjan Celibashi (CEC), Olsian Çela (Prosecutor General), and Altin Dumani (SPAK); representatives of the main political parties — Etilda Gjonaj and Elena Xhina (Socialist Party), Oerd Bylykbashi and Jorida Tabaku (Democratic Party); as well as representatives of civil society, and both Albanian and international experts.
Ambassadors Reinout Vos (Netherlands), Nick Abbot (United Kingdom), and Silvio Gonzato (European Union) addressed the roundtable with messages of support.
On behalf of civil society organizations, key findings and priority recommendations were presented by: Afrim Krasniqi (ISP) on election financing and transparency, Erida Skëndaj (Albanian Helsinki Committee) on the investigation of electoral crimes, Rigels Xhemollari (Qëndresa Qytetare) on the use of state resources during campaigns, and Valbona Kuko (WFD) on the integrity of political parties.
Moderated by journalist Lutfi Dervishi, the debate covered the perspectives of institutions, political parties, and civil society on the priority challenges of the current electoral process and the need for higher standards in law enforcement. Civil society brought forward data from ongoing monitoring efforts and reflections from past processes. The Prosecutor General and SPAK presented their platforms of engagement for the elections, the CEC discussed the main challenges within the current legal framework, and political parties shared their expectations and commitments.
Elections are the foundation of legitimacy for key institutions and functional democracy. They are closely linked to elements of the rule of law, democracy, anti-corruption, good governance, transparency, and accountability — all part of Chapter One (Cluster One) in negotiations with the European Union. Albania is currently in the negotiation process, and the 2025 elections represent a maturity and integrity test for institutions, political parties, and electoral standards.
Two initiatives have supported several civil society actors focused on these issues: the project “Improving Policy Debate and Accountability in Fulfillment of Cluster One Negotiation Criteria”, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tirana, and the project “Strengthening Electoral Integrity and the Resilience of Political Parties”, financially supported by the British Embassy.