KQZ Rejects Accreditation of Observers from Seven NGOs Over Irregularities

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The Central Election Commission (KQZ) has decided not to accredit election observers from seven non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the upcoming 2025 Local Elections, following concerns over irregularities in their submitted documentation.

During its 63rd meeting, the KQZ reviewed the applications of the organizations after a request from its members and, based on the findings of the Office for Registration, Certification, and Financial Control, voted to reject their accreditation.

The decision affects:

  • 49 observers from Qendra Rinore Shtime
  • 36 observers from Centre for Social Inclusion Gracanica (CSIG)
  • 18 observers from NVO PBG
  • 46 observers from Shoqata Qytetare “Restart”
  • 52 observers from UdruĆŸenje Ćœena Povratnica NaĆĄ Dom
  • 259 observers from Fuqia e ZĂ«rit
  • 53 observers from Qendra Kulturore “Orfeu”

According to Besnik Buzhala from the Office for Registration, the analysis revealed discrepancies and potential falsifications in several statutes submitted by the NGOs.
He stated that “Qendra Kulturore ‘Orfeu’ submitted a falsified statute,” with inconsistencies between the version sent to the KQZ and the one registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Similar issues were identified with CSIG and NVO PBG.

Other concerns included violations of stated purposes — for instance, UdruĆŸenje Ćœena Povratnica NaĆĄ Dom, an organization for women’s economic independence, had 49 out of 52 male observers. Meanwhile, Qendra Rinore Shtime included observers who were not of youth age, contradicting its mission.

The NGO Fuqia e Zërit, registered only on September 23, 2025, was found to have politically affiliated observers, while Restart also faced suspicions of falsified documentation.

Buzhala added that cases involving suspected falsification will be reported to judicial authorities for further investigation.

In a separate decision, the KQZ also approved the procedures for the Counting and Results Center (QNR) for the 2025 Local Elections. The QNR will oversee counting of conditional votes, votes from people with special needs, out-of-country ballots, and any ordered recounts, as well as the publication of final election results.