AMA Chair, Ms. Armela Krasniqi, took part in a roundtable organized by the OSCE and the CEC focusing on the 2025 elections and the role of media in this electoral process.
The event was attended by Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Mr. Ilirjan Celibashi, Chair of the CEC, and representatives of OSCE/ODIHR. During her speech, Ms. Krasniqi outlined AMA’s engagement in monitoring the audiovisual media coverage of the electoral campaign.
“In implementation of the Electoral Code, the CEC, with Decision No. 2 dated January 30, 2021, approved the Methodology for Monitoring Audio and Audiovisual Media, a document that sets forth the procedures and techniques AMA must follow during the election campaign monitoring. This methodology remains in force, and based on it, AMA’s monitoring team has reviewed the coverage of the electoral campaign starting with the 2021 general elections and beyond,” stated Ms. Krasniqi. She added that since 2021, there have been no complaints from political entities or candidates regarding AMA’s findings presented to the CEC.
Ms. Krasniqi further explained: “During the electoral campaign, AMA continuously monitors 24 permanent audiovisual media outlets. Additionally, 29 other outlets are monitored on a weekly selection basis. The list of permanent or temporary AVMSPs is submitted in advance to the CEC, which can make changes depending on complaints received by the Commission.”
She detailed AMA’s proactive approach, which begins earlier than the official 30-day campaign period.
The institution she leads starts its work four months prior to election day, monitoring whether audiovisual media broadcast activities classified by the CEC as “prohibited activities.”
AMA also observes the CEC’s online platform, where a dedicated section lists activities deemed unauthorized and considered campaign-related (e.g., inaugurations, grants, property title distributions).
Furthermore, AMA monitors public institutions at central and local levels, which are prohibited from airing advertisements four months before the election day, except for those aimed at voter awareness or other legally mandated notices.
This is the third technical roundtable organized this year, aiming to improve electoral processes in areas that do not necessarily require legal amendments.
