The police have issued a number of fines to parties and candidates running in Albanian elections of April 25 for holding rallies in breach of pandemic restrictions since the beginning of the electoral campaign 10 days ago
Political parties in Albania have intensified small rallies despite the bad situation with the spread of the virus.
All of the major parties have been seen in meetings with more than 10 people during these days, which is prohibited by a government order based on measures suggested by the Committee of Experts to prevent the spread of the virus.
Those who attend gatherings of more than 10 people, indoors or outdoors, are to be fined with €800. In addition, wearing masks and social distancing is also mandatory.
The list of those fined include opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Luzlim Basha, as well as Belind Kellici and Edmond Spaho; Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) leader Monika Kryemadhi and its candidates Endrit Brahimllari, Elona Guri and Komtiana Kuci; Socialist Party’s (PS) Blendi Klosi and Adriatik Memaj, as well as independent candidate, miner Elton Debreshi.
While these fines may seem relatively balanced between parties, rallies or meetings breaching the restrictions appear to be common for a large number of candidates running in these elections.
Read more: Independent Electoral Candidate Fined €40K for Breach of COVID-19 Rules
