Central Election Commission and OSCE Presence in Albania encourage women’s participation ahead of Dibra by-election

The Central Election Commission (CEC) and the OSCE Presence in Albania organized a series of voter information and education sessions for 140 women in the municipality of Dibra on 1 and 2 September 2016, ahead of the 11 September mayoral by-election. The events, which took place in three administrative units of the municipality - Peshkopi, Muhur and Maqellarë - raised awareness among women, including first time voters, about their rights and the importance of voting.

The CEC Chair spoke to participants about gender equality in the electoral processes, freedom of the vote and the problem of family voting. A representative of the OSCE Presence briefed them about electoral reform and the new gender quota in local elections.

This week the OSCE Presence is also meeting cross-party women councillors in the municipalities of Vlora, Saranda, Konispol, Himara and Dibra to discuss the current situation concerning women’s representation in politics, the implementation of gender equality mechanisms at the local level and potential improvement of the gender quota for the 2017 parliamentary elections.

“These events show the OSCE’s belief in the importance of increasing women’s participation in political and public life, and they are part of our support to our long-term partner, the Central Election Commission,” said Robert Wilton, Acting Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania. “Following preliminary discussions, we are also ready to offer the requested expert support to the ad hoc parliamentary committee on electoral reform as soon as it starts work.”

These activities are part of the Presence’s continuing work to promote active citizenship in Albania, strengthen the professionalism of election administration, and improve the quality of elections in line with the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.