Nikolla, opposition accusations about the electoral legislation / ISP reacts: The government has no vision and no proposal platform

2023-09-05 11:41:00, Aktualitet CNA

Nikolla, opposition accusations about the electoral legislation / ISP reacts:

The Institute of Political Studies says it is time for a reform in the electoral legislation.

In a statement, the ISP responded to the speaker of the Assembly, Lindita Nikolla, regarding a statement made by the latter stating that the majority has the political will for reform and that it remains waiting for the opposition.

According to ISP, all political parties are equally responsible, with a silent consensus they had and have a pronounced lack of political will for serious and integrity reforms.

ISP also expresses concern that the government has no vision and no proposal platform for the reform, and the Assembly itself has not fulfilled its legal obligations.

Full statement:

The Institute of Political Studies (ISP) welcomes the message of the President of the Republic Mr. Bajram Begaj and the Speaker of the Assembly Ms. Lindita Nikolla related to the urgent need for electoral reform. The topics addressed by them, - the vote of the diaspora, the depoliticization of the electoral administration and the financing of political parties are an important, but partial part of the reform. ISP assesses that a comprehensive, transparent and long-term reform requires the reform of the representative system, the decriminalization and decorruption of representative politics, the reform of the legislation on political parties and the unreserved implementation of the principles contained in Article 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. The President and the Assembly can play a much more active role in guaranteeing these standards and principles.

ISP does not share the same assessment as the Speaker of the Assembly, that the majority has the political will for reform and it remains waiting for the opposition, but believes that all political parties are equally responsible, with a silent consensus they had and have a significant lack of will political for serious and integrity reforms. ISP also expresses concern that the government does not have a vision nor a proposal platform for the reform, as well as the Assembly itself has not fulfilled its legal obligations regarding the law 138/2015 and respecting its decisions for the electoral reform commission.

ISP believes that the starting point of any qualitative and positive change in Albania is the integrity of the secret ballot, effective political competition, standard elections and the strong legitimacy that stems from them. On this basis, we urge the parliamentary parties to implement without delay and in an institutional way the electoral reform commission, as well as an open discussion process for all the recommendations of the ODIHR/OSCE and other actors who monitor the electoral and political processes in Albania.

ISP is ready to offer recommendations and participate in any consultation process of the commission and institutions that focus on reforming the legislation on political parties, financing, decriminalization, integrity of elections and standards of political representation./ CNA