Political parties, through their establishment and registration procedures in court, as well as in the course of their routine activities, process a significant amount of personal data pertaining to their members, fans, suppliers, third parties, etc. Furthermore, they handle sensitive personal information of citizens listed on the voters’ registry, particularly during election campaigns when data collection and processing are critical to mobilizing support and targeting specific voter groups.
Given the sensitive nature of this data, it is crucial that political parties adhere strictly to the data protection principles outlined in both national and international legislation. This is especially important when processing personal data for electoral purposes, as it not only protects citizens' fundamental right to privacy but also ensures the proper exercise of another essential constitutional right—the right to vote.
This report provides a detailed examination of how the three primary political parties in Albania—the Socialist Party, the Democratic Party, and the Freedom Party—manage personal data. It assesses their compliance with legal standards for obtaining, storing, and using personal data, particularly in the context of election campaigns. The report underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals’ privacy and highlights the need for political parties to ensure transparency and legal compliance when handling sensitive personal data, also considering the rapid advancement of technology. In doing so, it aims to prevent misuse and ensure that data processing practices respect both the letter and the spirit of established data protection laws.
Through a careful evaluation of current practices, the report identifies potential gaps or areas where these parties may be falling short in their obligations, offering critical insights into how data protection laws are applied in the political sphere. Additionally, the report offers a set of practical and actionable recommendations to enhance transparency, improve compliance, and ensure that personal data is managed in a way that upholds citizens' rights and fosters greater public trust in the political process.