Electoral Reform, parties extend talks
Related Articles
TIRANA, June 3 - The Political Council missed yet another deadline to conclude talks on the electoral reform, following a nine-hour meeting on Tuesday.
Despite the presence of U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim, EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca as well as U.K. and OSCE Representatives during the meeting, party representatives were unable to come to terms on a final agreement. In this line, international actors have set Wednesday as the ultimate deadline, while at the same time prioritizing adherence to OSCE / ODIHR recommendations.
According to Rudina Hajdari, co-chair of the Electoral Reform Commission, the parties agreed on biometric identification, while the DP's demand for a transitional government was rejected and will no longer be part of the discussion.
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca stated on Tuesday that the recommendations of the OSCE / ODIHR contitute the main priority as regards the electoral reform. "This is what the European Council is asking Albania to do ", he said at the end of the meeting. However, this does not mean that the parties cannot consider additional solutions and proposals if they find common ground, but they should not become an obstacle. This was made clear by Ambassador Kim.
"Our goal is for Albania to be able to meet the ODIHR's recommendations so that it can become a member of the EU. If the parties reach a consensus on measures that go beyond ODHIR's recommendations, we will agree. But if the consensus on these points that goes beyond the recommendations is not reached, then the parties must give up these demands, " emphasized Ambassador Kim.
"The political council was created to complete the electoral reform and today good progress has been made, but there is still work to be done. It is essential that they finish this tomorrow, not only for Albania to continue its path towards the EU but also for the Albanian voters to have better elections next time, " British Ambassador Duncan Norman added.
Diplomats stressed on the impact that the electoral reform agreement is expected to have on the country's European integration process and the decisions Brussels will take soon. "Albania, our ally and friend is at a critical stage in its history. March 25 was a turning point. It is a vote for Albania's future in Europe. As you are aware, the EU has set a number of conditions for Albania to start negotiations for the EU, among them is the electoral reform in accordance with the recommendations of the ODIHR ", the US Ambassador said. While the EU Ambassador pointed out that "very soon the European Commission will present the negotiating framework and an achievement for electoral reform will make this job easier.
President Ilir Meta welcomed yesterday's statements from the international community regarding the Reform, saying that reaching a consensus on this Reform is a condition for the integration of the European Union.
"Yesterday's message of the European Union is clear, the implementation of the conditions begins with the consensus on the electoral reform. June 8 is approaching! The European Commission is eagerly waiting to mark a positive news for Albania! " Meta wrote in a Twtitter post.
Another meeting between the Political Council members is expected today, again under the presence of the diplomats.
