Albania’s Central Election Commissioner, Ilir Celibashi, has assessed that the Municipality of Tirana violated the law by opening a public library amid the campaign for the 2021 general elections, in favour of Socialist Party Candidate Alqi Bllako.
Footage submitted as evidence included photos and videos of the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj appearing next to Bllako during an electoral meeting at Moikom Zeqo library. The complaint was filed by Civic Centre and was accepted by the CEC head.
Celibashi said, “I appreciate that we are facing an administrative violation of the use of public assets for electoral purposes.”
He added that evidence showed the electoral activity took place in a public library, adding, “I will ask the Appeals and Sanctions Commission to impose administrative sanctions.
The administrator of Unit 2, where the library is located, Florian Pullazi, denied it was abused for electoral gain.
“Libraries are multifunctional; they are open to the public and can be used by anyone,” he said.
Earlier this year, Celibashi fined Veliaj 75,000 Lek (EUR 613) for violating the electoral code and using his post as mayor for the Socialist Party campaign.
