ODIHR to monitor early parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

ODIHR conducted a needs assessment mission to Skopje from 5 through 7 April in order to assess the pre-election environment and preparations for the early parliamentary elections scheduled for 5 June.

The members of the mission met with officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry, the State Election Commission, and the courts, as well as with representatives of political parties, the media, civil society, and the international community.

The mission's report, published on 19 April, outlines a number of concerns about the upcoming elections, including the fact that several legislative changes were adopted by parliament shortly before the start of the election period, the persistence of long-standing concerns about the accuracy of voter lists, and existing political tensions that could lead to a heated campaign period. The mission also noted concerns regarding the regulation of campaign finance and the media.

The mission has recommended, contingent upon receipt of an invitation, the deployment of an election observation mission, to include a core team of analysts, 24 long-term observers, and 300 short-term observers, to follow the campaign, media coverage, and election preparations, as well as election day procedures.