ODIHR experts visit Skopje to present final report on municipal elections

A team from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited Skopje from 21 to 23 February 2018 to present the final report of its election observation mission for the 15 October municipal elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of state authorities and the election administration, as well as of political parties, civil society and the international community. During the visit, the ODIHR experts discussed potential areas for further co-operation and specific steps that can be undertaken by various stakeholders in bringing election legislation and practice into closer conformity with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards.

The ODIHR team drew attention to priority recommendations, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive legal reform, completed sufficiently in advance of the next elections. The experts also underlined the importance of ensuring an effective and impartial State Election Commission that is transparent and able to provide a stable regulatory framework.

“We welcome the readiness of stakeholders to engage in an electoral reform process that is based on broad consultations and seeks to address prior ODIHR recommendations,” said Richard Lappin, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Elections Department. “We are ready to support these efforts through legal reviews, technical expertise and advice on good practices.”

Other recommendations discussed included the need for a thorough investigation of all allegations of pressure, intimidation, vote-buying and the misuse of state resources, as well as promoting balanced coverage and a pluralism of views in public media.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly following up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.