The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, on Tuesday 27 April, called on the different parties in Albania to respect the result of the parliamentary elections.
On Tuesday, on more than 92% of the ballots cast, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party obtained 49% of the vote and the main opposition party, the centre-right Democratic Party, 39%.
Encouraging all parties involved in the count to proceed swiftly and in accordance with established procedures, the High Representative and the Commissioner considered that “all political forces (should) now ensure the effective and democratic functioning of the country’s institutions, as a result of these elections”. “This includes the responsibility to follow the democratic principle of respecting the outcome of elections”, they stressed in a statement.
“Any alleged irregularities should be brought swiftly to the attention of the Central Election Commission and other competent authorities, and cases need to be duly investigated, including vote buying”, the EU representatives added.
According to the preliminary findings of the OSCE Limited Election Observation Mission, the voting was generally well organised, the campaign “lively and inclusive”, but there was also misuse of State resources or functions by the ruling party and other public figures.
The EU will continue to follow closely the electoral developments until the final certification of results, Mr Borrell and Mr Várhelyi announced.
Furthermore, they argue that the period of transition until the inauguration of the new parliament and government should not hold back the continued efforts to implement the necessary reforms. “We expect the new Albanian parliament and government to continue pursuing the country’s reform agenda with determination, particularly on the Rule of Law”, they said, also reiterating their call for a constructive and inclusive political dialogue from all sides. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)