May 11th Elections/ Ambassador Gonzato from Korça: The cooperation of the CEC, the General Prosecutor's Office and SPAK is exemplary

2025-05-27 10:10:00, Politikë CNA

May 11th Elections/ Ambassador Gonzato from Korça: The cooperation of the

After an official meeting with the Mayor of Korça, Sotiraq Filo, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, gave a statement to the media, where he spoke about the May 11 electoral process and Albania's journey towards European integration.

Regarding the May 11 elections, Ambassador Gonzato stated that although the final OSCE/ODIHR recommendations have not yet been published, preliminary ones are already being considered. He emphasized that there is a clear position from Brussels as well, considering the adoption of a comprehensive electoral reform as essential.

Regarding election standards, the ambassador stated that the OSCE/ODIHR report reflects the reality of the electoral process, recognizing the fulfillment of some international standards, although issues such as the use of public resources were identified. However, he praised the election administration, commending the Central Election Commission, the General Prosecutor's Office and SPAK for their cooperation, which he described as "exemplary".

Regarding the opposition's stance on not recognizing the elections, Ambassador Gonzato said that any political entity that feels there have been irregularities should pursue them through official legal channels. According to him, it is important that all political parties continue to maintain their pro-European integration stance and work concretely in this direction.

With this message, Ambassador Gonzato reiterated the European Union's commitment to supporting Albania on its path towards integration, underlining the importance of political dialogue, sustainable reforms and standardized elections as the foundation of a functional democracy.

How do you see the May 11 elections according to the OSCE/ODIHR report?

I don't know if the final recommendations have been issued, but of course I have seen the preliminary recommendations. There was also a very clear statement from Brussels and it is an element that I want to mention, that I consider very important, as High Representative Kallas has also said, it is time for the Albanian government, but also the Parliament, to adopt a comprehensive electoral reform, which includes all past and present recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR. The result and the responsibility fall on the government to undertake and carry out this broad reform because it definitely has the numbers. On the other hand, there is also the expectation of the Albanians, given that Albania is on this journey to join the EU .

Election standards?

In relation to what you saw, we have an OSCE-ODIHR report that reflects how these elections were while recognizing them with standards. While issues such as the use of public resources are also mentioned, but the election administration was commended by the OSCE/ODIHR report, so I am emphasizing that this is something that must be addressed through a comprehensive reform in the future. I want to appreciate the Central Election Commission for the work they have done, the General Prosecutor's Office, SPAK, which I would say has been an exemplary cooperation.

Will the opposition's stance on not recognizing the elections affect the path to the EU?

I would like to say that any party that thinks there have been irregularities should definitely report them and complain to the relevant bodies, which are the bodies that administer the elections and of course to the relevant bodies. This is the way things should go. However, I hope that both parties, who have emphasized on a number of occasions their dedication to the accession process and Albania's efforts to move towards the EU, will really work in this direction./ CNA