Albania’s Central Election Commission head, Ilirjan Celibashi, has called for the implementation of recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s election observers ahead of the May 9 local elections.

He said lawmakers must align the Electoral Code with the new territorial division. The changes should address municipal council elections, seat allocation and representation across local administrative units. Celibashi urged political parties and the Assembly to agree on the necessary legal amendments.

Regarding the Democratic Party’s plans to challenge the new territorial map before the Constitutional Court, Celibashi said the commission would continue preparations under the law currently in force. He said the institution would adapt the electoral process to the new administrative structure without anticipating the outcome of any legal action.

Celibashi also reaffirmed the commission’s support for expanding electronic voting and counting to as many municipalities as possible. However, he said political parties must reach a consensus on the scope of the rollout. He rejected the Democratic Party’s claims that the electronic system posed security risks, saying its concerns were unfounded.

/a.p./