Declaration of CoE co-rapporteurs: “Dialogue in Parliament. Finalize Vetting Law”

MEPs Andrej Hunko and Joseph O’Reilly said that the Parliamentary boycott cannot be considered a correct political strategy.

The document underlines that Albania needs both the majoirty and the opposition to progress with the reforms, and that’s why every boycott would have serious negative consequences for the country.

The rapporteurs said that the political situation could complicate the efforts for an efficient judiciary against political interventions, could delay punishments against corruption and organized crime.

Judicial vetting is of the utmost importance for creating an independent judiciary and it is essential that the process continues without delay. “All political forces should refrain from hampering this important development,” the co-rapporteurs underlined.

In a related matter, the co-rapporteurs consider it essential that the so-called decriminalisation legislation is duly implemented. The cleansing of public office of any link with criminal elements is crucial ahead of the forthcoming June general elections.

The elections are approaching and it is crucial that all political forces engage in the preparation of the electoral process so that elections can take place as constitutionally foreseen. Some of the concerns and shortcomings expressed by the opposition regarding the electoral legislation and practice were reflected in previous PACE reports and need to be taken into account and addressed jointly by all political forces.

“We reiterate that the main issue regarding elections in Albania is the lack of political will among the main political stakeholders to implement the Electoral Code in good faith and their desire to politicise the electoral administration,” the co-rapporteurs said. “We would welcome any proposal agreed by consensus, in line with European standards, that would increase trust in the conduct of the elections,” they added.

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