Brussels, 22/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday 21 February, the ambassadors of the EU and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Jess Baily and Aivo Orav, called on the political parties to postpone the parliamentary elections. These are planned for 24 April, but the conditions for “credible” elections have not been met, according to the two ambassadors
“The quality of the elections is more important than the date”, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn tweeted.
In a joint letter to the interim prime minister and leaders of the main political parties on 21 February, the two ambassadors state that “despite some progress” “the conditions needed for the organisation of credible elections on 24th are not currently in place”. Orav and Baily add that an agreement has not yet been found on the reform of the media in order to ensure fair competition between the candidates. They also say they are concerned by the initial reports of pressure and intimidation exerted on voters.
“If the elections cannot be held on the date planned, the political parties must work in order to take the necessary measures to enable the holding of credible elections as soon as possible and in full respect of responsibilities and the ongoing preparatory work by the electoral commission”, the ambassadors state. The Macedonian political leaders are reported to have mentioned 5 June as the date for holding the elections.
The two ambassadors call on the leaders to take their responsibility. “Serious efforts from all stakeholders are now needed to ensure the appropriate conditions for a credible electoral process in which all citizens and parties might participate freely”, they warn. They also encourage all the political leaders, be they in the majority or in opposition, and the institutions to remain fully committed to the respect of the June-July agreement, stating also that the political leaders have the responsibility to take the necessary measures to put their country back on the Euro-Atlantic path.
In another letter on 29 January, the ambassadors had warned that much work remained to be done for the elections on 24 April to be credible (see EUROPE 11480). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)