Held on April 4-5, in Golem, the event, titled “Electoral Challenges and Media Coverage of the 2025 Parliamentary Elections,” provided an open forum for dialogue between 40 journalists and senior CEC officials, including Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi.
Sessions focused on key topics, such as the procedures for members of the diaspora to vote, the legal framework for verifying candidates and the role of media in ensuring transparency of candidate lists. Discussions also highlighted how journalists can contribute to promoting informed political participation and meaningful coverage during the campaign.
Another focus was on the financing of electoral campaigns, including political advertising on social media, the transparency of donations and applicable legal obligations. Journalists explored the challenges of monitoring online campaigning and discussed the tools available for financial transparency.
The roundtable also included a review of the progress made by Albanian institutions in addressing OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on media conduct, electoral administration and voter education, especially concerning marginalized groups and diaspora communities.
“Open dialogue with the media is crucial for ensuring transparency and trust in the electoral process,” Commissioner Celibashi said. “Through these discussions, we aim to strengthen collaboration and promote a fair and informed campaign environment.”
This activity was supported by the British embassy in Tirana and forms part of BIRN Albania’s ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between electoral institutions and the media sector, particularly in the lead-up to major elections.