Voice at the CoE parliamentary assembly: Elections in our country are neither free nor fair

From the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, MP Albana Vokshi called for Albania to be monitored ahead of the May 11 elections, as democracy, according to her, is in danger.

Vokshi also denounced in Strasbourg the "Activist" application, used by the Socialist Party, according to the Democratic MP, for propaganda and manipulation of voter behavior.

Vokshi added that "controlling the internet through special devices a few weeks before the elections constitutes an autocratic action that undermines fundamental rights in our country."

Vokshi's full speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe:

Honorable Chair of the Session,

I would like to congratulate Ms. Kalina-Lukasevica for her work and resolution. She raises the issue of several threats that are often invisible, but which are no longer abstract today. Disinformation, foreign interference, and algorithmic and digital manipulation are increasingly targeting electoral systems—especially in fragile democracies like those of the Western Balkans. Democracy is under attack—from without and from within.

What Mr. Mullen mentioned earlier, regarding funding from the Soros Foundation, is also true for Albania. This foundation has been involved in the design and implementation of judicial reform, electoral reform and every other important reform. These processes require transparency and Urgent analysis, because instead of improving democracy, they have worsened it. Today Albanians do not receive justice – a case in court lasts 15-20 years. According to the OSCE/ODIHR report, elections in Albania are neither free nor fair. The recommendations have not been implemented.

We have witnessed the misuse of apps like "Activist", used by the ruling Socialist Party in every election - for propaganda, manipulation of voter behavior, intimidation of civil servants, and silencing of political opponents.

The situation becomes even more alarming when combined with endemic corruption, the deterioration of the rule of law, and the centralization of power.

A plan is needed that extends beyond the borders of the EU, to protect candidate countries such as Albania, Moldova, Georgia, etc. And this plan should feed into the integrated European plan.

By demanding accountability from platforms like TikTok, Meta, and X, we must protect freedom of speech, a fundamental right.

 Decisions like the ban on TikTok by the Prime Minister of Albania, and the control of the internet through special devices a few weeks before the elections, are autocratic actions and undermine fundamental rights.

Our message must be clear:

Democracy begins with free and fair elections.

Thank you.