Representatives of several countries and organizations applauded the Albanian politicians for adopting the Electoral Code changes agreed between the majority and opposition.
Some of them stated that this marks the fulfillment of one of the EU conditions before Albania starts accession talks.
They all called on all parties to continue the dialogue and inclusion.
“This fulfills a key condition of EU Council conclusions,” wrote Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi.
Albania: I welcome the adoption of amendments to Electoral Code, in line w 5 June agreement. This fulfils a key condition of @EUCouncil conclusions. For any additional changes, I urge all parties to continue discussions, so spirit&results of 5 June agreement are not derailed.
— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) July 23, 2020
The same was noted by EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca, who additionally urged parliamentary parties not to derail the spirit of the electoral reform agreement with the extra-parliamentary opposition by unilaterally adopting successive changes.
… While acknowledging the role of the Parliament in putting forward additional changes regarding the electoral system, we urge all parties to continue discussions in the Political Council with the same inclusive and collaborative spirit…3/4
— Luigi Soreca🇪🇺 (@LSorecaEU) July 23, 2020
US Ambassador Yuri Kim welcomed the adoption of changes to the Electoral Code and called on all parties to ensure inclusiveness and transparency for possible changes in the future.
June 5 agreement is now law. Inclusiveness & transparency should be the norm for significant national actions. Good to see Political Council reconvened to consider add’l measures beyond 6/5. All parties should participate in good faith, continue inclusion & transparency. pic.twitter.com/UgWgepnjXG
— Ambassador Yuri Kim (@USAmbAlbania) July 23, 2020
The OSCE Presence praised the approved reform for being in line with its recommendations, and called for its implementation, as well as for consensus regarding proposals for more changes.
German Ambassador Peter Zingraf wrote that this was an important step toward starting EU accession talks with Albania but stressed the need for continued dialogue and inclusion during the implementation of the adopted changes.
UK Ambassador Duncan Norman also praised the adoption of changes and urged for genuine inclusiveness for further changes.
Congratulations to the Parliament for passing the 5 June agreement after a long period of inclusive work, strengthening 🇦🇱’s electoral process & integration prospects. Any further discussion of reforms should be genuinely inclusive with the active participation of all parties.
— Duncan Norman (@DNormanFCO) July 23, 2020
On Thursday, the Albanian parliament approved the changes to the Electoral Code agreed upon by the Political Council on June 5.
Parties involved in the June 5 agreement were the ruling Socialist Party (PS), the parliamentary opposition, and the extra-parliamentary opposition made up of the Democratic Party (PD), and the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI).
Parliamentary parties are set to bring more changes to the Electoral Code and the Constitution, despite the disapproval of the extra-parliamentary opposition.
