30 complaints have been filed with the prosecutor’s office for election-related criminal offenses to date. A further 91 have been filed in the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK).
SPAK announced that 50 of the reports were made by the Democratic Party, three from the Socialist Movement for Integration, one by the Socialist Party, and one by another party.
A further 10 were filed by judicial police, four from district prosecutors, and four by individuals. The Office of the President filed 18 cases with the institution.
To date, SPAK has decided to start criminal proceedings for 32 cases and to dismiss seven. 15 will be sent for verification to the police, 23 to judicial district prosecutors, and 14 are being verified by special prosecutors.
The reports made to the prosecutor’s office were announced by Deputy Director-General of the State Police, Albert Dervishaj during a press conference.
He also announced the measures taken by the Police so far in preparation for election day:
- 8,049 police officers are on the ground to maintain order.
- 3,429 electoral activities have been conducted so far under police surveillance.
- 7,519 State Police employees were trained to maintain order on election day.
- 5,427 police officers will be engaged in the service of guarding election facilities throughout Albania.
- 1,273 police officers will be deployed in the country’s cities, assisting local police.
- 535 uniformed vehicles that will be used in order to fulfill the obligations of the State Police, to guarantee order and safety.
Yesterday, the US Embassy announced a security alert for US citizens in the country. It advised them to be cautious near polling stations and their immediate environs, counting centers, election administration offices, and any arrears where crowds have gathered.
“Past elections have seen localized incidents of violence targeting election officials, those affiliated with political parties, and voting materials, which raises the prospect of possible violence or other disturbances on Sunday, April 25, or in the days following voting. Demonstrations in one city have the potential to spark additional rallies in other locations around the country. Additionally, traffic in the area of the Embassy or central areas of large cities may be impacted by rallies or protests, leading to congestion and related delays.”
Citizens are advised to “remain vigilant”, monitor local media for updates, and avoid wearing clothing that could be with the colors of political parties.
The last week has seen rising tensions as a PD activist was shot and injured in a campaign office in Kavaje, and then a PS activist was killed and four injured in Elbasan.
