TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications and improvements to ensure effective implementation and full alignment with international standards.
According to the opinion, the draft law consolidates rules on political income, funding sources, reporting, transparency, auditing and sanctions for political parties. The office said the reform aims to strengthen political integrity and support anti-corruption efforts. Experts also welcomed the creation of a real-time electronic reporting platform, broader powers for the Central Election Commission, stricter limits on cash transactions and new transparency mechanisms.
The document also highlights more detailed rules on public financing for political parties. These include incentives linked to gender equality and youth participation in politics. At the same time, the office warned of loopholes related to third-party financing, indirect donations and party loans that could allow circumvention of the law.
Among its main recommendations, the office called for a clear ban on donations made on behalf of other individuals. It also recommended disclosure of donors’ professions and employers, as well as identification of the beneficial ownership of legal entities financing political parties. In addition, the opinion called for clearer rules on in-kind contributions, loan reporting and timely publication of party financial reports.
The office said the effectiveness of the reform will depend largely on the operational capacity and financial resources of the Central Election Commission. It also attached a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening legal certainty, clarifying oversight powers and expanding the sanctions system to cover all violations foreseen in the draft law.
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