Press release
Despite some shortcomings, Dushk by-election largely reflects will of voters, says OSCE Presence in Albania
- Date:
- Place:
- TIRANA
- Source:
- OSCE Presence in Albania
- Fields of work:
- Elections
TIRANA, 13 December 2004 - The OSCE Presence in Albania carried out an observation of by-elections in the commune of Dushk, southern Albania, on 12 December.
In general, the by-elections were conducted in a calm and peaceful way. No attempts of fraud were observed during the voting and the counting process. The presence of representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) at the Voting Centre Commissions (VCCs) and the Local Government Election Commission (LGEC), in most cases, proved to be beneficial for the voting and counting process, as procedures could be explained and clarified in contentious cases. The VCC members, in general, were committed to work professionally.
However, in two polling stations, there were attempts by party representatives to influence voters. Also, widespread family voting was observed and several people were allowed to vote without showing identification.
Generally, the size, set-up and equipment of polling stations was not conducive to a transparent and orderly voting process. A number of the polling stations were too small, overcrowded and/or badly lit.
In conclusion, the result of the by-elections in Dushk commune largely represents the will of the voters. In the run-up to the 2005 parliamentary elections, however, several steps, particularly regarding training of VCC and Zone Election Commission (ZEC) members, and the selection and equipment of Voting Centers, will still have to be taken, in order to ensure a parliamentary election in compliance with OSCE standards. This was recognized by the CEC members present during the polling and counting, and the OSCE Presence looks forward to continued co-operation in resolving these outstanding issues.
Twenty-nine observers were present during the voting and the counting procedure in all twelve polling stations of Dushk commune, including one observer team at the LGEC that observed the intake and tabulation procedures.
In general, the by-elections were conducted in a calm and peaceful way. No attempts of fraud were observed during the voting and the counting process. The presence of representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) at the Voting Centre Commissions (VCCs) and the Local Government Election Commission (LGEC), in most cases, proved to be beneficial for the voting and counting process, as procedures could be explained and clarified in contentious cases. The VCC members, in general, were committed to work professionally.
However, in two polling stations, there were attempts by party representatives to influence voters. Also, widespread family voting was observed and several people were allowed to vote without showing identification.
Generally, the size, set-up and equipment of polling stations was not conducive to a transparent and orderly voting process. A number of the polling stations were too small, overcrowded and/or badly lit.
In conclusion, the result of the by-elections in Dushk commune largely represents the will of the voters. In the run-up to the 2005 parliamentary elections, however, several steps, particularly regarding training of VCC and Zone Election Commission (ZEC) members, and the selection and equipment of Voting Centers, will still have to be taken, in order to ensure a parliamentary election in compliance with OSCE standards. This was recognized by the CEC members present during the polling and counting, and the OSCE Presence looks forward to continued co-operation in resolving these outstanding issues.
Twenty-nine observers were present during the voting and the counting procedure in all twelve polling stations of Dushk commune, including one observer team at the LGEC that observed the intake and tabulation procedures.
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