On 17 October 2023, the OSCE Presence in Albania presented a project on electoral reform and processes, aiming to contribute to an all-inclusive and participatory electoral process in Albania in line with OSCE commitments and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
The OSCE project "Support to electoral reform and processes in Albania" is financed by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Poland. It will run until November 2026. The project's overarching goals include support to the authorities with expertise and assistance for the implementation of the out-of-country voting in the upcoming parliamentary elections; contribution towards the improvement and de-politization of electoral administration through a systematic and professional electoral training; and enhancement of direct democracy.
Additionally, the project will assist the Albanian authorities to improve election logistics capacities, contributing to the modernization of training and outreach capacities and enhancement of technological infrastructure for the proper implementation of out-of-country voting.
"This project marks a significant milestone in our journey toward strengthening elections in Albania and ensuring that the voice of citizens is heard and valued in the electoral process. It reflects our dedication to fostering an electoral process that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Albanian people," Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Bruce Berton said at the event.
Ambassador of Sweden in Albania Niklas Ström, Ambassador of Switzerland in Albania Ruth Humber, and Head of Political and Economic Section of Embassy of Poland in Albania Tomasz Frączkiewicz also addressed the event. "The generous contributions of your governments further empower the Presence to assist our Albanian partners with a deeper and more comprehensive approach in a number of areas. We deeply appreciate your visionary commitment and unwavering trust in our mission," Ambassador Berton said.
The primary beneficiaries of the project are the Central Election Commission, the Assembly of Albania, and the Albanian citizens. The project's work will be carried out in co-ordination with other national and international partners, and with the OSCE/ODIHR.
The initiative is part of the overall goal of the Presence to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in conformity with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.
