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"Review of the Criminal Code"/ Çela: Create a national operational network to protect the integrity of elections

2026-07-01 15:31:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Review of the Criminal Code"/ Çela: Create a national

The Head of the General Prosecutor's Office, Olsian Çela, was present at the hearing of the Electoral Reform Commission regarding the effectiveness of criminal measures in the electoral process, the challenges identified in practice, and the proposals for improving the legal and institutional framework in order to guarantee the integrity of the elections.

Çela stated that some of the provisions of Chapter X of the Criminal Code should be reviewed to more precisely define cases with high risk for the electoral process, which according to him would enable a more proportionate criminal response.

“The legal framework for acts that undermine free elections. Some of the provisions of Chapter X of the Criminal Code could be revised to more clearly define when the behavior poses a higher risk to the electoral process, by providing as aggravating circumstances or qualified forms cases when the acts are committed against more than one voter and others. The provision of qualified forms and the corresponding review of the punishment measures would enable a more proportionate criminal response.

Many reports or referrals do not come with sufficient data. This does not mean that the reportor should take on the role of the Prosecutor's Office, but the initial information should be as clear as possible for the Prosecutor's Office. Investigating crime requires strengthening the investigation's capacities for the analysis of electronic devices, social networks, audio materials and film footage. The investigation requires better technical support and capacities dedicated to digital evidence", he said.

Among other things, the Chief Prosecutor stated that another challenge is related to the overall workload of the prosecution offices and the lack of human resources.

He stated that the possibility of creating a national operational network for electoral integrity should be considered.

According to him, this would serve as a permanent coordination mechanism, where the General Prosecutor's Office, SPAK, CEC and the Police would exchange information on electoral risks throughout the entire election cycle.

"Another challenge is related to the overall workload of the prosecution offices and the lack of human resources, as some prosecution offices continue to operate below their organic capacity. It is estimated that the possibility of creating a national operational network for electoral integrity should be considered, as a permanent coordination mechanism, where the General Prosecutor's Office, SPAK, CEC and the Police exchange information on electoral risks throughout the electoral cycle. It remains necessary to strengthen the detection, prevention and investigation capacities of the State Police for criminal offenses that violate the integrity of the electoral process. The role of the Police is essential in every aspect", said Çela. /CNA