TIRANA, May 26 – At a National Conference on the role of civil society in electoral processes, Cinzia Tarletti, Head of the Good Governance and Rule of Law Sector at the EU Delegation in Tirana, stressed the importance of free, fair and transparent elections for democracy and Albania’s EU integration.
Tarletti said free, fair and transparent elections stand at the core of every democratic society. She added that they remain a key requirement for EU membership. She underlined that electoral standards form a fundamental criterion on the path to the European Union.
Meanwhile, she said the European Union closely follows reform developments in Albania. She highlighted integrity, transparency and inclusiveness in all related processes. In addition, she said progress in these areas remains crucial for strengthening democratic institutions and public trust.
Tarletti also said credible elections do not depend only on state institutions and political actors. She stressed the role of civil society independence and active engagement. She described non-governmental organisations as a key pillar of democratic functioning. In addition, she said civil society organisations strengthen citizens by guiding voters, increasing participation, monitoring elections and supporting transparency and accountability.
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