a few seconds agoRama called it crazy, SPAK: We read party spending, vote buying, links to crime
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)The statement by the head of the government, which called the SPAK absorption of political parties during the election campaign, was followed by a press release by the Special Prosecutor, detailing the entire strategy to be followed to fight electoral crimes. In response to Rama's concerns, SPAK underlines [...]
In response to Rama's concerns, The SPAK underlines that the legal framework guarantees that investigations into criminal acts under elections are conducted without political or external interference and requires respect for this institution's independence.
The investigation of criminal acts under the election can often be subject to political pressures and various illegal interventions, which could aim at deviation or delay of investigations. These interventions can affect witnesses, investigators or even institutions responsible for investigating and judging cases. The guarantee of SPAK's independence by all actors and the provision of institutional support will be essential to meeting this” challenge.
The use of cash is a challenge, the SPAK says, but states that spending political party funds will be the chief word of the prosecutor's work, where at the centre of the investigation they will have the sale of votes.
“The use of cash, which is difficult to track, as well as the lack of co-operation by individuals or private subjects involved, pose major challenges to the investigative organs. In this context, increased co-operation with financial institutions will be necessary, strengthening mechanisms to report suspicious transactions, and improving international co-operation for tracking funds coming from outside Albania”.
According to this structure, the problem is not only candidates but also organised crime involved in elections, so special attention will be given to this problem.
“Criminal groups, for their illegal interests often interfere with the election process through threats, financial manipulations, corruption of election officials, etc. Facing this phenomenon requires a coordinated response between the SPAK, the State Police, other law enforcement agencies and international partners to identify and neutralise any criminal groups' attempts to influence the elections”.
The SPAK, while calling a new challenge to vote from abroad, promises to extend investigations even of violations that parties can commit during the campaign in the diaspora. Under the published strategy, the special structure suggests it will create a dedicated platform where citizens can make their indictments. (A2 Television)
