The Bishop of the Diocese of Rrëshen, Dom Gjergj Meta on behalf of the Catholic Church of Albania has conveyed a message to Albanian citizens for the April 25 elections, appealing to citizens to not misuse or sell the vote. 

Dom Gjergj Meta says that the Church demands transparent and fair elections. He calls for candidates with dubious backgrounds not to be voted for as MPs, stressing that those who exploit poverty to buy votes have no right to sit in parliament. 

Moreover, Dom Gjergj Meta stated that citizens have the right and duty to vote on April 25. He also said that the next government has two challenges: post-covid strategiers and reconstruction of quake-affected houses. 

"Thank you! Privilege to communicate with you. This time in the general elections, the Bishops have divided our message into two parts, I will tell you schematically about the first part of this message which is assigned to the challenges that await the next government. The first challenge is that of the pandemic, especially the creation of long and post-covid strategies, dealing with the consequences. 

The second challenge is the Reconstruction, as soon as possible of the houses destroyed by the 2019 earthquake. A transparent and fair elections process is required. The other fundamental challenge is strengthening institutions. We have a Justice Reform on paper, it needs to be implemented quickly. 

Another is the abandonment of the country by young men and women, the fight against poverty, the development of the country in urban and rural areas. Education, this pandemic but also in general, education in remote areas. Last but not least, is the fight against corruption, an acute wound of our society. 

Therefore, we think that these are important challenges that we have to face in the coming months, the coming years. I would like to read the second part, which deals with the dangers that this election process may have. 

On the eve of these elections, we would like to invite all citizens to participate in this moment of democratic life. It is the right and duty of every citizen. Voting is a moral obligation. Secondly, as we have reiterated in previous statements, it is the phenomenon of vote-buying and selling, a major wound that must be eradicated. Whoever sells the vote for money has no God to hold anyone accountable. Whoever buys the vote with money is not worthy of the MP chair. 

Unacceptable voting due to threats, work is the fruit of ability, not of a political party. It is not the case to vote for candidates with a double past. Integrity must be a necessary condition. Citizens to vote for candidates transparently and with integrity. 

We must emphasize that citizens have the right and duty to vote. Do not misuse the vote, do not sell. It would be great harm. We wish everyone on April 25 to exercise their right to vote. We ask God to help the Albanians for the life of the country with the mediation of the mother of the Good Counsel. Thank you for the hard work you do. I hope our country comes out better from the April 25 elections," highlighted Dom Gjergj Meta.