The National Conference was held this Tuesday by the KQZ and the OSCE. Also present was the US Ambassador to Tirana Yuri Kim, who during her speech said that the April 25 elections were good but not perfect. The ambassador stated that the US will continue to support the reforms in Albania, while emphasizing that it is time for the diaspora to vote.
“I am pleased to be with you on this discussion on diaspora voting from abroad. It is good to look at everyone together to discuss the extent of the vote abroad. Given both the statutes and the constitution it is the right time to take steps so that the diaspora can exercise this right. The act of holding elections is a demonstration of strength. Elections a moment in democratic processes. The 2021 parliamentary elections marked a crucial event that was the return of the opposition to the Assembly.
The April 25 election was good, but it was not perfect. Everyone knows this. The US welcomes such meetings to address election problems including the lack of a diaspora to vote. We urge bipartisan work to ensure that the forthcoming elections meet the standards.
The US will support reforms for Albania, both justice and electoral. The right of the diaspora to vote is supported by the Constitution. Our systems of government are always imperfect. The best defense of democracy is its exercise. The US will continue to support the reforms needed to strengthen Albania’s institutions. “We support all electoral processes to help Albania on the European path,” said Kim, among other things.
The General Secretary of the Socialist Party, Damian Gjiknuri, said that as far as the emigrants’ vote is concerned, it is time for this process to move forward.
“KQZ is in a better position to advance this process. Debates can be opened here regarding the representation, what is the weight of the emigrants’ vote, but we have a register for Albanian emigrants, they will be registered in a special place and the vote will be counted there, on the other hand problems may arise in the scheme you can take over. KQZ can serve as a driver for bringing schemes up for discussion, for implementation. “But work is also needed to raise the awareness of citizens living abroad to become part of these lists,” he said.
/abcnews.al
