Publications

This analytical report presents findings from the conducted comparative analysis of the existing national legislation, international legal framework and semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Recommendations contained in this report pertain to regulation of sexual extortion as a form of corruption in the Criminal Code, Law on Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interests and in the Law on Prevention and Protection of Women from Violence and Domestic Violence. Incrimination of sexual extortion in the national legislation would make North Macedonia among the few countries in the OSCE region to have legislatively recognized and institutionalized gendered forms of corruption, leading to reducing its impact on women.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The Handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it offers an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

In this brochure, the Handbook for voters "What Is Local Government and How It Is Elected" has been transformed into Easy-to-Read Format, in order to make it accessible to the people with learning disabilities and a wider audience. The Brochure, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils in North Macedonia, the election process. Not available in English.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils in North Macedonia, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it gives an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

The Informative Brochure for Young Voters presents the content of Manual for Young Voters, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, in an easy-to-read format. It aims to present the information related to the political and electoral participation of youth in the country, why elections and voting are important for young women and men, the significance of inclusive elections and instructions for the voting process in format accessible to the people with learning disabilities. Not available in English.

The Manual, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to encourage political and electoral participation of youth in the country. It explains the models and bodies for youth political participation; why elections and voting are important for young women and men and the significance of inclusive elections. The publication also provides step-by-step instructions for the voting process. The Manual was initially published in 2020. This is second edition amended in accordance with the most recent changes of the Electoral Code. Not available in English.

The Manual provides a theoretical overview of the international commitments of North Macedonia related to gender equality, drafting gender sensitive legislation and parliamentary oversight of gender equality. It provides practical examples on best practices from the country and parliaments worldwide on mainstreaming gender in parliamentary operations. The publication is prepared by the OSCE Mission in co-operation with parliamentary staff to support MPs in their work aimed at promoting and advancing gender equality.

The Manual for Local Youth Councils, prepared in close partnership with the Agency for Youth and Sport, is a practical and valuable tool for both municipal officials and young people regarding their engagement in the Local Youth Councils. It aims to encourage local youth participation in these bodies in compliance with the Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies. The Manual contains practical steps how to establish Local Youth Council, roles and responsibilities for both municipal officials and youth council members and the handover process between the outgoing and incoming leadership. It was prepared in Macedonian language and translated into English, Albanian, Turkish, Serbian and Romani languages.

This Assessment is a baseline document for planning future steps in the complex digitalization process of the courts in North Macedonia. The courts' digitalization, intersectoral connectivity and interoperability of the courts with other judicial institutions and state organs is in line with judicial efficiency and transparency improvement, emphasizing quick, cost effective and qualitative access to justice. The Assessment is consisted of four main chapters: International standards and comparative experiences- focusing on the advantages and challenges in usage of electronic platforms and conducting on-line or hybrid hearings; Analysis of the current situation in utilization of ICT tools in all courts in North Macedonia and existence of adequate human and technical resources; Current national legislation and necessary legislative amendments to enable utilization of new ICT tools in court operations and protect the rights of the participants in court procedures; and Recommendations for future steps in regards to court digitalization.