The report of OSCE – ODIHR published yesterday reveals serious irregularities in the may 11 Elections in Albania, citing vote-buying, threats to voters by criminal groups, and extensive use of state resources in favor of the ruling party.
In 46 pages, OSCE observers note that dozens of vote-buying incidents were investigated, while they report close links between political parties and organized crime in some areas, where intimidation groups targeted both voters and candidates.
The mission also notes cases of pressure on public officials, intimidation of opposition supporters and abuse of patronage networks for political purposes – practices that are contrary to international standards. At the same time, there are allegations of vote buying, unfair interventions in vulnerable social groups and the influence of criminal elements in some areas of the country.
Among the most serious irregularities are reported incidents of intimidation, threats against candidates, as well as violations of the secrecy of the vote due to inappropriate organization and interventions in polling stations.
Although candidates were allowed to freely conduct campaign activities, the playing field was considered uneven, with the government benefiting from the use of administrative and state resources. Although the law prohibits the use of public funds for partisan purposes, it allows officials to perform their duties during the campaign period, which – as noted – creates scope for abuse.
Ministers and the Prime Minister participated in numerous official events, inaugurations and project presentations, thus giving an unfair advantage to the ruling party. In several cases, these activities functioned as an informal election campaign.
The report calls for a stricter ban on the use of state resources from the moment the elections are announced until voting day. Although some restrictions were formally observed, the government pursued policies that favored specific social groups, such as providing financial bonuses to pensioners and canceling fines shortly before the polls.
According to the OSCE, among the 4,522 public events declared as pre-election, the Central Election Commission stopped only 18, which raises questions about its effectiveness and neutrality. The excessive activity of government officials was perceived as indirect pre-election campaigning through state structures, blurring – as reported – the boundaries between state and party, in violation of the 1990 Copenhagen.
The OSCE also cites reports of pressure on municipal officials to support the ruling party, as well as cases where women were forced to attend election events. The use of patronage networks, in exchange for appointments, social benefits or facilities, is recorded as a systematic practice.
In addition, there were fears of reprisals against those participating in opposition events, while incidents of intimidation of candidates, even by the ruling party, were recorded. The OSCE notes that such practices violate international principles for free and fair voting.
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