The Institute of Political Studies (ISP), the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Civic Resistance (QQ), and the Albanian Helsinki Committee (KShH) have been monitoring and analyzing key electoral issues, providing findings and assessments on campaign financing, electoral integrity, election-related crimes, and the role of state resources.

As part of this effort, ISP, WFD, QQ, and KShH hosted a roundtable discussion on:
“Elections 2025: Standards and Integrity Challenges – Electoral Crimes, Financial Transparency, and the Use of State Resources.”

The event brought together ambassadors, experts, representatives of civil society organizations, and state institutions, who shared their concerns and recommendations regarding the electoral process.

During his remarks, Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER, emphasized key issues crucial for ensuring free and fair elections:

• Publication of candidate lists ahead of the elections to prevent the risk of political criminalization and to ensure a transparent and fair process.
• Enhancing transparency in the management of public assets, preventing their misuse for electoral advantage.
• Preventing the misuse of voter data to uphold equality and transparency in the electoral process.
• Prohibiting hate speech and defamation in electoral campaigns, promoting a competition based on ideas and programs.

Regarding SPAK’s funding, he highlighted that:

• The state budget allocation for the institution has increased, which represents a positive development.
• Business contributions remain a source of funding, though in recent years, these contributions have been more closely aligned with the government.
• Organized crime remains a challenge; however, SPAK’s efforts in confiscating illicit assets serve as a deterrent against criminal figures engaging in election campaigns.

This discussion is part of ongoing efforts to ensure fair, transparent elections that are free from criminal influence and the misuse of state resources.