The OSCE report on the elections, the American embassy reacts

The American Embassy in Tirana has reacted regarding the final report of the OSCE-ODIHR regarding the local elections of May 14.

In a post published on the official Facebook page, it is stated that "the US embassy welcomes the latest ODIHR report on the May 14 local elections that outlines areas for continued improvement as well as shortcomings. The United States urges the government, political parties and state institutions to implement ODIHR's recommendations, which include the misuse of state resources at the central and local levels, allegations of vote-buying by all parties, taking measures to ensure the secrecy of voting and preventing voter intimidation, as well as pressure on public sector employees and voters".

"The report also emphasized the need to ensure the proper implementation of the right to information law, the decriminalization of defamation, and the support of independent journalism. The United States supports the commitment to address all ODIHR's recommendations, in order to ensure a comprehensive and consistent electoral framework as well as the demands of the Albanian people for a strong democracy", says the statement of the American embassy.