Albanian minister calls on police not to influence electoral campaign

Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 04:01:31|Editor: yan
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TIRANA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- State police should not get involved in campaign events of political parties but rigorously fulfill the constitutional mission and guarantee a smooth election process, newly-appointed Interior Minister Dritan Demiraj said Wednesday.

The caretaker minister warned of administrative and legal responsibility and tough penalties up to imprisonment for the misuse of police authority and making unreported campaign contributions.

Further on, he called for a stronger fight against cannabis cultivation and trafficking in the country, urging stronger preventive measures.

Albania is scheduled to hold general elections on June 25.

Last Monday, the parliament adopted a new law which stipulates jail for anyone who sells or buys votes while any police officers influencing a votes outcome will be sentenced to up to seven years. Even those abusing with public funds are to be jailed.

The holding of fair and free elections is also seen as an important condition for Albania to accelerate its path towards the European Union integration.

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