Preparations for the 2027 local elections face a considerable funding shortfall. The Central Election Commission (KQZ) has identified a gap of 265.4 million lekë in the draft budget for next year, funds it considers essential for storing electoral materials, maintaining IT systems and operating warehouses. In a letter dated 9 November addressed to Fatmir Xhafaj, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, KQZ chairman Ilirjan Celibashi has requested that these needs be taken into account during discussions on the 2027 budget.
According to KQZ, the institution had requested an additional 364.7 million lekë above the ceiling of the Medium-Term Budget Programme, but only 99.3 million lekë has been provided for in the draft budget. As a result, 265,467,232 lekë remain without financial coverage. The bulk of this amount relates to three main items: 180 million lekë for the electoral materials warehouse project and its supervision, 51.7 million lekë for maintaining IT systems, and 33.7 million lekë for warehouse rent in Vaqarr.
KQZ warns that failure to finance these expenses could directly affect capacity for storing and managing electoral materials, as well as logistical readiness for the 2027 process. The institution also raises particular concern about IT systems. According to KQZ, postponing their maintenance and testing could increase the risk of service interruptions and security problems during the administration of elections.
Electronic Financial Reporting Platform still unfunded, 20 million lekë requested
Another issue KQZ has raised before Parliament concerns the Electronic Financial Reporting Platform (PERF), which is still not functional for political parties’ financial reporting. To improve the platform, the institution has turned to the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, requesting around 20 million lekë in funding. However, it has not yet received confirmation as to whether this amount will be made available. The funds are needed to adapt the platform to legal requirements, standardise reporting categories, verify data and publish reports in open formats. Celibashi is asking that, if the Council of Europe does not financially support the project, the expense be covered by the state budget. This request is separate from the 265.4 million lekë left uncovered in KQZ’s draft budget.
Voter education and accessibility, challenges for 2027
In the document submitted to Parliament, KQZ has also outlined its priorities for organising the 2027 local elections. Alongside training electoral administration staff and guaranteeing the security of equipment and systems, the institution aims to increase voter information and improve accessibility at polling stations. However, the standardised programme for informing and educating voters is still being drafted. Information campaigns and measurement of voter knowledge have not yet begun.
Another priority is guaranteeing conditions for voting by persons with disabilities. KQZ plans to verify polling stations, prepare informational materials in at least three accessible formats and provide training for assisted voting. Financial responsibility for these measures falls to local government units, but KQZ warns that a lack of necessary support could prevent their timely implementation.
Meanwhile, the institution will continue working to implement the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission, as well as preparing analyses and technical proposals within the framework of electoral reform. With the 2027 local elections on the horizon, KQZ is calling for funding for these needs not to be left out of the budget, arguing that delays in logistical and technological investments could affect the preparation and administration of the electoral process.