The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, held the first meeting with the co-chairs of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform, Damian Gjiknuri and Oerd Bylykbashi. The discussions focused on the tight timeframe available to the committee, the priorities and the comprehensiveness of the reform.

In a response, the ambassador emphasized that the quality of electoral reform is as important as the timing of its implementation. According to her, the process must produce concrete results, taking into account the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR.

De Sousa underlined that electoral reform is important for restoring public trust, guaranteeing fair competition and the integrity of elections, but also for Albania's journey towards the European Union.

"With political will and sincere dialogue from all sides, this is achievable," said the ambassador, emphasizing the need for joint engagement of political forces.

"The quality of electoral reform is as important as the timing of its implementation."

I held my first meeting with the co-chairs of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform, Damian Gjiknuri and Oerd Bylykbashi.

We discussed the very tight timeframe within which the Commission must work, as well as issues related to the scope, priorities, and comprehensiveness of the reform.

Electoral reform is about public trust, fair competition and the integrity of elections. It is also part of Albania's journey towards the EU. The OSCE/ODIHR recommendations have long been clear and the joint work carried out so far should yield concrete results.

With political will and sincere dialogue from all sides, this is achievable.” — EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa