The Central Elections Commission (CEC) strongly condemns and deems unacceptable the dissemination of speculation and misinformation regarding the tender for the Diaspora Voter Registration Platform. These baseless accusations aim to undermine public trust in state institutions, fostering an unnecessary climate of mistrust and tension.
Allegations claiming that the platform is a “farce” or involves “misuse of public funds” are severe and unfounded speculations. Such public declarations, whether intentional or not, clearly jeopardize significant public interests and must receive the appropriate legal response.
This platform has been developed in full compliance with the highest standards of technology and security, incorporating advanced authentication mechanisms, including the integration of a secure electronic wallet for data verification. Any claim that undermines this professionally executed work constitutes an unjustified attack not only on the CEC’s efforts but also on the broader commitment to ensuring the voting rights of diaspora members.
The tender process for this platform was conducted in full accordance with applicable legal provisions. During the market testing phase, 11 companies were invited, 7 of which responded. At the stage of bid submission, all eligible companies were invited, and 4 submitted their bids. The estimated budget for this procurement was 208,333,333 ALL excluding VAT (approximately €2.1 million). The final contract value was 185,617,000 ALL excluding VAT (approximately €1.8 million). Claims of a €3 million expenditure are pure speculation!
It is a grave compromise of integrity, moral professionalism, and the very essence of safeguarding the public interest to issue judgments or evaluations about processes or products without first seeking accurate data, information, or documentation related to those processes or products.
The registration of nearly 10,000 voters from abroad within just two days of the platform’s launch is a clear testament to the functionality, robustness, and integrity of the Diaspora Voter Registration Platform. As these speculators could find no fault in this achievement, they have resorted to diverting public attention with baseless claims about corruption, tenders, and similar sensationalist topics.
Public accusations made without any evidence represent an unjustified attack on a fair and professional process aimed at guaranteeing the voting rights of Albanian citizens living abroad.
Efforts to politicize this vital initiative will not deter the CEC from its mission to uphold the voting rights of every Albanian citizen. The diaspora deserves respect and support, not exploitation of its concerns for inappropriate personal gain.
The Central Elections Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, integrity, and professionalism in fulfilling its mandate to ensure fair and inclusive electoral processes.
