Study on the Approximation of the Albanian Electoral Legislation with the Code of Good Practice on Electoral Matters of the Venice Commission (EC)

Abstract

The Albanian electoral legislation generally reflects the requirments and recommendation of the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters of the Venice Commission (EC). The comparative analysis highlights the need for intervention in this legislation, in particular in matters relating to: (i) creating favorable conditions for exercising the right to vote for voters residing abroad, (ii) the equality of vote power and equal chances for subjects and candidates part of the electoral race, (iii) gender representation, (iv) facilities for voters with disabilites, (v) establishment ofreliable and impartial election bodies, (vi) decision-making by qualified majority or consensus of the election commissions, (vii) establishing an effective complaints system, (viii) increased opportunities for the involvement of the judicial system, District Courts and Constitutional Court in election issues.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2p77