The review and approval of voting centers abroad for the December 28 early parliamentary elections triggered a tense debate within the Central Election Commission (CEC).
Representatives of political parties in the CEC exchanged accusations over political interference, mismanagement, and obstructing the diaspora’s participation in the electoral process.
Alban Krasniqi, CEC member from Vetëvendosje, insisted that all voting centers abroad should be approved as a single package rather than individually, emphasizing that some proposed locations were rejected without any grounded justification. He warned that closing centers that meet the technical criteria risks denying citizens their right to vote.
“I believe this issue was not handled properly by the chair. No voting center is divided into different parts; these are centers located in diplomatic premises. They were proposed with the intention of maximizing participation. For example, in Frankfurt we planned for 2,000 voters; we were physically there, and the voting center was on the 7th floor where around 1,650 people cast their ballots. Some addresses were rejected without a solid reason, while yesterday it was said that the integrity of the process was being protected—yet we saw that participation of the diaspora is being made impossible. You cannot deny people the right to vote by shutting down centers that meet technical standards. Therefore, I request that my proposal be considered as yesterday: all voting centers should be approved together, not one by one, nor by separating diplomatic premises from other spaces,” said Krasniqi.
On the other side, PDK’s representative in the CEC, Ilir Gashi, accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of attempting to interfere politically in the process.
“We had a similar situation in the February elections, when we had around six months for preparation. We inspected facilities and consulates prepared for the February 9 process. The law clearly states that citizens, through the CEC, request the MFA to ensure diplomatic missions are ready for voting. Even in the last elections, the MFA engaged in blatant interference, attempting to open centers outside the CEC’s official decision—even in clubs—raising suspicions of economic interests. We have two judicial decisions, including the Supreme Court, confirming that the CEC did not violate citizens’ voting rights within diplomatic premises. Therefore, no centers should be opened outside these premises, as it would violate the law. Unfortunately, the Secretariat is stepping into matters that are not its responsibility, acting in line with MFA interests. I request that voting centers be opened strictly in accordance with the law and with PZAP and Supreme Court rulings,” Gashi stated.
These accusations were countered by another Vetëvendosje member, Sami Kurteshi, who urged all members to read the original documents and legal acts.
He stressed that the courts did not block the process but only affirmed that past CEC decisions had been lawful.
“I heard the colleagues, and I would ask them to read the original documents and the conventions they are citing, because the way they have been quoted is an attempt to deceive. I studied them and know them well. I also request that the decisions of the Supreme Court and PZAP be presented—they did not stop the process but assessed the CEC decision as regular. If we decide to open voting centers, it violates no act. Regarding the cost, up to 90,000 euros relate only to additional premises, and only one center costs 5,600 euros for two days; the others do not. According to the table, in Frankfurt the cost is 2,800 euros per day. Yesterday we decided to send printed ballots to diaspora voters and it became clear that this process is impossible. I do not understand why there is opposition to offering out-of-country voters the possibility to vote,” said Kurteshi.
His remarks triggered an immediate reaction from Gashi, who described Kurteshi’s statements as slander.
“That is slander, and I have documents proving the total is 95,000 euros. No one can speak in my name,” Gashi said.
Kurteshi responded:
“I know it stings, because what you said is untrue,” he replied.
