In Albania, independent election observers estimate that the activities of political parties in recent weeks is showing the same legal violations as in previous elections.
The Association for Democratic Culture, an organization with 30 years of experience in monitoring the election process, released an interim report today, according to which parties continue to use derogatory language against political opponents, and a series of other violations.
Its volunteer reporters from all over the country report that the delay of the ballot paper has delayed other processes in relation to the citizens, the zonal commissions are often changing the polling stations and the commissioners themselves, not knowing the legal framework and making it difficult for the citizens to vote.
"A significant shortcoming is the violation of the right to vote of Albanian voters with permanent residence outside the territory of the Republic of Albania, an unfulfilled state obligation to its citizens for an undeniable right. Also, the control of the banned activities of central and local officials by the CEC risks turning into an "impossible mission", - said Gerta Meta, head of the Association for Democratic Culture.
Its report states that parties are using state administration resources for party campaigning, public administration is under constant pressure and officials are campaigning in their old ways, in violation of the new Electoral Code.
Irregular involvement of members of the government in the election campaign was brought to light today by the Civic Resistance, a youth organization that is also monitoring the election campaign.
"Civic Resistance has monitored the public activity of 3 ministers: Klosi, Denaj and Kushi in the election campaign, where it turns out that from March 30 to April 13 the ministers were in charge of the campaign in the constituencies where they run and not in office from Monday to Friday, work for which are paid by citizens' taxes. The Electoral Code prohibits participation in the public administration campaign during the official working hours" said Rigels Xhemollari, representative of the Civic Resistance.
Domestic observers are urging political parties and state institutions to campaign within legal limits, not to change commissioners until the last minute, to avoid pressure on public administration, to make funding transparent, and not to use denigrating language against each other.