In November, 1998, through a national referendum, the Albanian people approved the new Constitution. Articles 153 and 154 of this Constitution provides for the establishment of the Central Election Commission (CEC) as a permanent body consisting of seven members.
The Assembly of Albania adopted Law No. 8609, dated 08/05/2000 "THE ELECTORAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA ". The Commission took its legal form based on Articles 16-31 of this Code.
June 2000 marks the beginning of the CEC activity consisting of six members, who are appointed in accordance with the Constitution: two by the President of the Republic, three by the High Council of Justice and 1 by the Assembly. A month later, precisely in July 2000, the Assembly appointed the seventh member of the CEC.
The seven members of the established CEC were Mr. Fotaq NANO Chairman, Mrs. Mimoza ARBI Deputy Chairman, Mr. Maksim SHIMANI Member, Mr. Klement ZGURI Member, Mr. Pandeli VARFI Member, Mr. Shahin BISTRI member and Mr. Gasper KOKAJ Member.
The first elections prepared and conducted by this Commission were the October 2000 elections for Local Government.
A few months following October 2000 local elections, Mr.Fotaq Nano, Mrs.Mimoza Arbi and Mr.Shahin Bistri resigned from the Central Election Commission.
On February, 10, 2001, the High Council of Justice elected two new members for this Commission. They were: Mr. Ilirjan CELIBASHI and Mr. Igli TOSKA. On 12 February of the same year, the Assembly appointed Mr.Tomorr MALAJ as member of this Commission.
During 2003, the mandate of Mr.Igli Toska, Gasper Kokaj and Klement Zguri ended. The High Council of Justice nominated as CEC member Mrs. Deshira Subashi, the President of the Republic of Albania nominated Mr. Klement Zguri and the Assembly nominated Mr. Dode Prenga.
On November 25, 2004, the High Council of Justice appointed Mr.Clirim Gjata as member of the Central Election Commission in the place of the member Maksim Shimani.
During 2006, the mandate of the CEC members Mr.Ilirjan CELIBASHIi, Mr.Pandeli VARFI, Mr.Tomor MALAJ ended. The High Council of Justice appointed the member Mr. Flamur ÇATO, the President of the Republic Mr. Fatmir KUMBARO and the Assembly Mr. Arben RISTANI.
With Law No.9675, dated 13.01.2007 the Constitution was amended and since February 2007 the CEC is composed of 9 members. The Assembly appointed the members Mr. Shkëlqim Hysi and Mr. Gent Shala.
With Law No.9904, dated 21.04.2008 the Constitution of the Republic of Albania was amended and abrogated the Articles 153 and 154 which stipulated the establishment of the CEC. Now, the establishment of the CEC is provided for in the Electoral Code.
Based on Law No.10019, dated 29.12.2008 "The Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania" stipulated the establishment of the Central Election Commission as the highest permanent state body, which is in charge of the election administration. This Commission is composed of seven members with a 4 year mandate. The CEC members and Chairman are nominated by the Assembly of Albania .
On 02.02.2009, the Assembly nominated the CEC Chairman Mr.Arben Ristani and its members Mr.Artan Lazaj, Mrs.Deshira Subashi, Mr.Hysen Osmanaj, Mr.Klemet Zguri, Mr.Pandeli Varfi and Mrs.Vera Shtjefni..
