Investigations into electoral crimes/ Çela: Problems, quality of case referral

2025-10-14 13:41:00, Aktualitet CNA

Investigations into electoral crimes/ Çela: Problems, quality of case

Chief Prosecutor Olsian Çela spoke at the Committee on Legal Affairs about proactive investigations into electoral crimes. Çela stated that one of the identified problems for launching these investigations was the quality of the referral.

He emphasized that every referral must be accompanied by facts and evidence, as according to him it is impossible for a prosecutor to receive information from the office about what is happening on the ground. The Chief Prosecutor said that increasing the quality of referrals also affects the strengthening of the crackdown on electoral crime.

"The proactive investigations of 2025 are related to the capacities in the field and the nature of the criminal offense. What I have found as a problem is the quality of the referral. It is impossible for a prosecutor from the office to receive information about what is happening in the field. The issue is mainly related to the quality of the referrals. The referrals have not been of a satisfactory level to bring about a product. We have encouraged prosecutors to have a proactive role in launching an investigation into information circulating in the media about electoral crimes.

Apart from the fact that there were non-substantial referrals, there were also cases where it could have been done better. What we have tried to address is a positive pressure on prosecutors to investigate electoral crime. Now what has been the effect? ??Your perception of what we have produced is different. There is room for improvement but this is impossible to happen only with the engagement of the prosecution.

I am aware that the figures should be higher. And the striking force should be higher in this field by law enforcement institutions. In all the problems that the justice system and the prosecution have, it has become impossible with the resources we have. There has been another reassessment regarding electoral crime issues. We have tried to play a preventive role in the public as well. In the end, the issues remain a matter of fate as to what the prosecutor refers. Increasing the quality of referrals will affect the strengthening of the crackdown on electoral crime", said Çela. /CNA