North Macedonia local elections 2021: ODIHR election observation mission final report

The October 2021 local elections in North Macedoniawere competitive and fundamental freedoms were widely respected, but shortcomings in the legal framework underscore the need for a comprehensive reform. The election days proceeded smoothly and procedures were generally assessed positively by ODIHR observers during both rounds, but a rushed timeframe and limited personnel and operational capacity strained the ability of the election administration to adequately prepare to implement biometric voter registration.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the North Macedonia local elections published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The report also noted areas that would benefit from further review, including the operational capacity of the election administration and the maintenance of the voter register. The report offers 36 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and to increase transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Key recommendations include:

• Comprehensively revising the electoral legislation, in line with ODIHR recommendations, and following a genuinely inclusive process in which the proposals by various stakeholders are given meaningful consideration;

• Strengthening efforts to counter any form of pressure on voters and on public employees, and thoroughly and effectively investigating such allegations;

• Guaranteeing the operational capacity, independence and efficiency of the State Election Commission;

• Harmonizing electoral legislation with the objectives of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by removing any restrictions on electoral rights on the basis of intellectual or psycho-social disability;

• Reinforcing the accuracy of the voter register through systematic, electronic updates and implementing a nationwide system for the standardization of addresses;

• Enhancing transparency of campaign finance, including by requiring disclosure of all types of income, as well as expenditures, prior to election day;

• Reconsidering regulations on paid political advertisement in the media to allow unimpeded access to the media based on reasonable and objective criteria.

ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission for these elections on 7 September 2021. All 57 participating States of the OSCE have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s electoral assessments and recommendations.