Tirana, on 23.04.2008

The Central Election Commission welcomes the constitutional amendments, which, for the first time, not only have taken place through a broad consensus, but above all, on a climate of cooperation and mutual trust. In spite of the changes our institution underwent, by annulling Chapter XII of the Constitution, “The Central Election Commission”, respectively articles 153, 154, everyone should understand that the CEC continues to operate as an institution, whose organization, functions and powers are established in the Electoral Code.

Considering the above, the Commission expresses its confidence that the electoral reform and the other changes of the Constitution will continue to help in preventing all the artificial crises provoked in the past and what is more, all pre-election or post-election crises, as we clearly note a fundamental improvement of the entire configuration of the election process.

But even though this element is the most crucial one, the Commission believes that it should be quickly continued with the elaboration and adaptation of the Electoral Code, because it is indispensable to have all the necessary time available for the CEC to be introduced, analyze and absorb all these changes. We are all aware that the new election system, from the organizational aspect, is a more simple, transparent one and above all, more manageable, but we must never ignore the time factor, because the next parliamentary elections are near and one year would be sufficient for the CEC to hold free and fair elections, in compliance with international standards.

The Central Election Commission expresses once again the will to give its contribution to the progress of reform or expected amendments to the Electoral Code, expressing its confidence that these changes will clearly reflect all the recommendations and suggestions of international bodies, by addressing all the shortcomings noted so far, so that the legal framework allows or favors no artificial intervention in the electoral process.

Central Election Commission