Today, at the Central Election Commission (CEC) we held an open and constructive meeting with representatives of civil society, where we discussed in detail the methods and procedures for reporting electoral violations, both during the pre-election period and on election day.

During the meeting, State Election Commissioner, Ilirjan Celibashi emphasized the importance of improving the quality of reports, especially as we approach election day, when the number of reports is expected to increase. For this reason, it is crucial that every report is clear, accurate, and supported by concrete evidence. Only well-structured reports, which contain information on “what happened,” “who was involved,” and “what evidence is available,” can be effectively reviewed and produce tangible results.

So far, the CEC has received 52 reports, a clear indication of the interest and commitment from various actors to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. To ensure thorough and timely handling of these reports, we consider close cooperation with civil society and other institutions essential.

In this context, we also discussed the possibility for the CEC to provide standard reporting templates, making it easier for all stakeholders to submit complete and accurate reports. Well-structured reports not only facilitate our work as an institution but also contribute directly to the prevention and punishment of electoral violations.

Another key aspect we highlighted was the importance of close cooperation with SPAK (Special Prosecution Office) and the General Prosecution Office, in the framework of the Coordination and Cooperation Protocol recently signed. This protocol ensures that every report containing criminal elements is treated with the highest priority and full transparency, further strengthening public trust in the institutions responsible for ensuring electoral integrity.

We at the CEC remain fully committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process, where the voice of citizens and the engagement of civil society play a crucial role in guaranteeing the highest democratic standards.