Albania: Campaign Funding Under Scrutiny

Transparency International Albania, the local branch of the international watchdog, has called on Albania political parties to make public the details of campaign donations and how they are used.

The latest EU progress report on Albania noted that much work was needed “on the issues of transparency of political party funding”.

Under the new campaign finance law reforms introduced in the electoral code in December, the auditing process for campaign donations will be managed by a new group of experts chosen by the Central Electoral Commission.

However, watchdog groups and experts doubt that it will curb illegal donations to political parties.

According to the new electoral code, the highest amount that any one person or organization can contribute to a political party may not exceed 100,000 lek (approximately 830 euros).

Companies or shareholders in companies that have received public contracts worth more than one million lek (approximately 8,300 euros) in the five years preceding the campaign, will not be allowed to donate money to political parties.

The same restriction is imposed on shareholders of media companies, or of organizations that are creditors for public institutions or companies.

The donors will have to sign a declaration stating that their donation do not contravene the law. The donors’ list will be made public.

Every donation exceeding 50,000 lek (approximately 400 euros) must be submitted through a bank and lodged in a special account, the details of which will also be made public at the start of every election campaign. 

The new bill envisages the use of independent accounting experts, hired by the Central Electoral Commission. Political parties are required to make all information and documentation concerning campaign contributions available to the accountants.

The verification process will also allow the accountants to question individuals or representatives of organizations and also to examine bank records of political parties.

Any violation of the law by political parties or donors will render them liable to fines.