ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK, INSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE, AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

GJOSHI, Betim and KUME, Andon (2026) ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK, INSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE, AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE. In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 18-19 November, 2026.

[img] Text
Proceedings Book 2026-55-69.pdf
Download (528kB)

Abstract

The administration of elections constitutes one of the fundamental institutional guarantees of democratic governance and the rule of law. Independent, impartial, and professional electoral management bodies play a decisive role in ensuring electoral integrity, protecting political rights, and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions. This paper provides a comparative legal analysis of the legislative frameworks governing electoral administration in the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo. The study examines the constitutional and legal status of electoral management bodies, institutional organization, appointment procedures, distribution of competences, and guarantees of institutional independence, while evaluating their compliance with international electoral standards developed by the Venice Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, and International IDEA. The research applies a qualitative comparative legal methodology based on doctrinal analysis of constitutional provisions, electoral legislation, international legal instruments, and relevant academic literature. The comparative assessment demonstrates that Albania and Kosovo have adopted different institutional models reflecting their distinct constitutional development and democratic transition. Albania's post-2020 electoral reform emphasizes institutional specialization and professional administration through the separation of executive, regulatory, and adjudicative functions, whereas Kosovo relies upon a constitutionally entrenched Central Election Commission characterized by greater institutional continuity and political inclusiveness. The study concludes that neither model is inherently superior. Rather, effective electoral administration depends upon the interaction between legal guarantees, professional competence, institutional accountability, operational autonomy, financial independence, and public trust. The paper identifies common institutional challenges and highlights opportunities for mutual learning between the two jurisdictions. It further proposes recommendations aimed at strengthening electoral governance, promoting democratic accountability, and enhancing compliance with international standards. The findings contribute to the broader scholarship on comparative electoral law and provide practical guidance for future electoral reforms in Albania, Kosovo, and other emerging democracies.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2026 10:29
Last Modified: 10 Nov 2026 10:29
URI: http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2697

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item
Universiteti i Tetoves is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.