Arvizu: CEC was wrong

During an interview for OraNews, Arvizu addressed strong messages to CEC and Prime Minister Berisha, declaring that they should announce the preliminary result first and then continuing with the complaints. And for Arvizu, the preliminary result is known.

“I am relieved that the vote counting ended, and it appeared to be very accurate. That’s why it is a pleasure to see that result. Certainly, we know that the preliminary results were not official, but we all know what that preliminary result was. I hoped that this would have created the basis on which everything else would have proceeded towards the end. Many people at that time described these as very good elections. But most important is that the Albanian people won”, Arvizu declared.

“The governing coalition said that they had won more votes in country scale. I think that they were happy for taking seven of eleven Municipal Units. At least I think that they have taken seven of eleven Municipal Units”, he added.

“The Socialists, not only did they keep most of the biggest cities that they already had, but they added even more. I think that these elections made both parties legally say that they had achievements. It is unfortunate that we are on the current situation today”, the ambassador declared.

 Mr. Arvizu also added: “We must be sincere, this is a difficult situation. Many people feel frustrated and emotional. It is important that both parties do whatever they can within the legal limits. This includes the Election Code and other legal measures. The problem is that the Election Code itself has had different interpretations. But most important is that everyone must stay calm. No one wants to see anybody hurt, might they be peaceful protesters, people passing by or police officers”.

“If people try to remain within the legal limits, and if they try to look beyond the elections, I think that the result will be good”, the US ambassador emphasized.

“I can say that it would have been better if the Central Election Commission announced the preliminary official result, even as a head start. This would have been a very useful step, because it would have enabled the following challenges and issues to be solved in a easier way, including the mater of counting or not the votes that were mistakenly inserted in the wrong ballot boxes”, he underlined.

“Another problem, by what I was able to understand, is that Tirana is unique in the country. In the sense that only the Capital does not have its own Zonal Election Commission. It seems like the Central Election Commission functions as a Zonal Commission for Tirana. Most of the experts I have been discussing with, think that this is not a good Idea, because the Central Election Commission loses its central mission, the central function”, Arvizu declared.

“However, this is the Election Code; there are gaps, but it makes a solid base on which the elections can be held. I think that this also highlights the critical significance of overcoming these elections and concentrating on reforms for next elections, including the Election Code reforms. I think that both parties have taken many lessons from these elections. Some of them must be put into practice”, the ambassador added.

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