Date 27 April 2021, Time 22:30 pm – KRIIK continues the observation in 68 CEAZs, in which the process of counting the votes for the candidates and electoral subjects continues. In 23 electoral administration zones, the counting has been completed, both for the subjects and for the candidates.
The counting process for the subjects, in the centers in which it has not been completed yet, according to the information of KRIIK observers will continue today until the end, respecting the decision of the Commissioner, according to which the counting for candidates will start tomorrow at 9:00.
It is to be appreciated the close monitoring of the whole process, by the CEC, to ensure the integrity of this very important process. At the same time, the instruction of the Commissioner for setting the schedule for the resumption of the counting process for the candidates is to be appreciated, thus allowing this counting to be simultaneous.
KRIIK appreciates the position of the CEC, which after the incident at CEAZ 30 in Tirana with observers, decided to abolish all accreditations of political observers, and accreditation with new observers, ensuring the mature presence of political forces in the counting centers. At the same time, avoiding unauthorized persons in these centers who have occasionally strained the situation.
However, it was noted that in CEAZ 21 in Durrës, there was an influx of unauthorized persons, and zonal commissions and political parties should take measures to allow these counting centers only to accredited persons.
This is not only illegal but polling stations should provide the necessary calm to all political observers and enumerators, who should report institutionally any findings they may have during the observation.
With the results which are towards the end for the electoral subjects, it is important that the opposition parties and especially the majority wait until the end of the counting process, respecting all the rules set by the CEC, at the same time respecting all observers. which lie in these counting centers. All parties aim for the process to move as quickly as possible, and the will of the voters to be read until the last vote.
KRIIK urges the CEC to follow the implementation of the order received yesterday, for the observers. KRIIK also evaluates the transparency process by the CEC, on its website, but it would be appropriate that the rest of this page, which has to do with information on the institution and their previous activity should still be functional and available for information.
A major concern remains the identification of invalid ballots. So far 81,952 have been declared invalid. According to the observation of KRRIK in these counting centers and communication with the commissioner, by field observers, it was noticed that in a large part, these ballots were declared invalid because more than one electoral subject was marked, or voted for subject and a candidate of another electoral subject.
KRIIK suggests to the CEC and all relevant institutions to be transparent about these ballots, in order to understand the reason for these high numbers. It is important to understand whether the incorrect filling in of the ballot paper comes from voter misinformation, a responsibility which goes directly to the political forces, especially the majority, and relevant institutions such as the CEC or KAS. It should also be understood whether voters’ difficulties and misunderstandings have come from numbered ballots, but more important is the transparency of these ballots, whether or not they will have an impact on the outcome.
Electoral subjects should be clarified on this issue, and transparency should also be made regarding film footage showing counters, or representatives of political forces, illegally marking ballot papers, declaring them invalid, or alienate the citizen’s vote. In relation to this we bring to attention the low number of invalid ballots, up to 1%, in CEAZ no. 40 in Tirana, where voting and counting were conducted electronically.
Another concern regarding the performance of the count, and the arguments of fatigue should no longer be part of the reasons which hinder the count. It was noticed that in two CEAZs, 80 in Gjirokastra, and in CEAZ 32 in Tirana, the commissioners of PD and LSI did not appear to continue the process, even after the break. The same situation is in the CEAZ 60 Patos, where the commissioners of PD and LSI have left, and the counting process continues only with the representatives of SP. It is important that everyone fulfills their legal, and constitutional obligation for this very important process. We call on all commissioners not to resign. In an electoral race, there will be losers and winners, but it is important that in no way should the integrity of this process be violated, the violation of which may call into question the entire electoral process and the will of the citizen.
Each of these enumerators, regardless of personal or political reasons, and the law, must call on their civic conscience to conclude an electoral process which will mark a good basis for the reforms and aspirations that the country has with the election of the new parliament.