OSCE Presence welcomes progress made on Albanian electoral system

TIRANA, 22 April 2008 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Robert Bosch, welcomed today the adoption of constitutional changes to the electoral system in Albania, saying he hoped they will provide further impetus for timely completion of the electoral reform.

"This is a clear and firm step towards addressing the 2005 recommendations by the OSCE and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights," said Ambassador Bosch. "However, issues such as election administration, election results' complains and appeals, political party financing and women's participation still remain to be addressed. The debate on Electoral Code also needs to be conclusive on these matters."

The Albanian Assembly yesterday adopted, with a vast majority, a regional proportional electoral system with closed lists of candidates.

Ambassador Bosch refrained from commenting on the substance of constitutional changes that were not related to election reform, but pointed out the lack of sufficient time for a wide debate involving civil society and other relevant actors.

He added that the OSCE Presence remained ready to provide its assistance to the Albanian authorities and institutions in accordance with its mandate.