OSCE Mission to Skopje supports improvements of the Electoral Code
(OSCE/Mirvete Mustafa)L-r: Minister of Justice Mihajlo Manevski; Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Giorgio Radicati and President of the NGO MOST, Darko Aleksov at a conference on improvements to the Electoral Code, Skopje, 17 December 2007. (OSCE/Mirvete Mustafa) Photo details
SKOPJE, 17 December 2007 - Amendments to the Electoral Code which would provide an improved institutional and legal framework for a more efficient, free and fair electoral processes were discussed at a conference in Skopje today.
The meeting follows a series of workshops, organized by the the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the local NGO MOST, and the Justice Ministry, which helped draft amendments to the existing legislation to address the shortcomings in electoral irregularities, campaign financing, and competences of the State Election Commission.
"Public confidence is one of the fundamental requirements of a democratic society. It is enhanced when citizens are ensured that the state is trying to improve the electoral processes and displays a good will to conduct democratic elections," said Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
"The drafting of the amendments is an example of a transparent and inclusive legislative process which included the entire political spectrum, acknowledged the role of civil society and embraced the views and opinions of all relevant state institutions, national and international experts."
Justice Minister Mihajlo Manevski added: "The election process is very complex and includes a number of actors who play an important role. It is important for each of them to keep in mind the competences, and obligations when they implement the election activities. The amendments to the Election Code will contribute towards better clarity, consistency, and accuracy in the conduct of the election procedures."
The meeting follows a series of workshops, organized by the the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the local NGO MOST, and the Justice Ministry, which helped draft amendments to the existing legislation to address the shortcomings in electoral irregularities, campaign financing, and competences of the State Election Commission.
"Public confidence is one of the fundamental requirements of a democratic society. It is enhanced when citizens are ensured that the state is trying to improve the electoral processes and displays a good will to conduct democratic elections," said Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
"The drafting of the amendments is an example of a transparent and inclusive legislative process which included the entire political spectrum, acknowledged the role of civil society and embraced the views and opinions of all relevant state institutions, national and international experts."
Justice Minister Mihajlo Manevski added: "The election process is very complex and includes a number of actors who play an important role. It is important for each of them to keep in mind the competences, and obligations when they implement the election activities. The amendments to the Election Code will contribute towards better clarity, consistency, and accuracy in the conduct of the election procedures."