February 9th elections, DnV has a call for CEC

This, since the country's president, Vjosa Osmani, has set February 9th of next year as the date for parliamentary elections.

Our comprehensive observation will cover Election Day through field observers according to methodology PVT; the entire counting process, handling election complaints, as well as the campaign period. This includes monitoring the prosperity of the election campaign, monitoring political financing, identifying false news and stimulating language during the campaign, and monitoring the media to measure the space they provide for political subjects, including women candidates during the “campaign, said the “Democracy's communiqué for Action”.

“Democracy in Action” has called on the Central Election Commission to start with intensive campaigns for voter information and education.

Calls also have for political parties.

In view of the importance of these changes, we call on the Central Election Commission to start with intensive campaigns to inform and educate voters. Moreover, we also call on political parties and their candidates to take a more pro-active role in informing voters about the recent changes”, the communiqué says further.

Full communication:

The coalition of local organisations for monitoring elections “Democracy in Action” welcomes the country's recent president's decision to set February 9th next year as the date for parliamentary elections. This decision also marks a positive step towards ensuring the fulfillment of the Parliament's full constitutional mandate, following the suspension of mandates of all preliminary legislatures due to early elections.

As an observation mission, in the function of promoting transparency and increasing public confidence in the election process, “Democracy in Action” will actively monitor all phases of the election process. Our comprehensive observation will cover Election Day through ground observers according to methodology PVT; the entire counting process, handling election complaints, as well as the campaign period. This includes monitoring election campaign prosperity, monitoring political financing, identifying false news and stimulating language during the campaign, and monitoring media to measure the space they provide for political subjects, including women candidates during the campaign.

This election process is expected to bring about numerous innovations, stemming from recent changes to electoral legislation, including increasing preferential vote from five to 10 candidates, counting candidates' votes at the Municipal Counting Centres, and new opportunities to vote for those living abroad.

Given the importance of these changes, we call on the Central Election Commission to start with intensive campaigns to inform and educate voters. Furthermore, we also call on political parties and their candidates to take a more active role in informing voters about recent changes.

“Democracy in Action” remains committed to contributing to a transparent, fair and comprehensive election process and will continue to work to support and promote democratic principles throughout this election period.