Newsroom
OSCE Mission welcomes "victory for Macedonian democratic process"
SKOPJE 17 September 2002
SKOPJE, 17 September, 2002 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje has joined the leaders of the International Election Observation Mission, led by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, in congratulating the Macedonian authorities, political parties, and citizens on a well-prepared and well-conducted election on 15 September. Ambassador Craig Jenness said the success had been crucially important in a post-crisis situation.
Reported incidents were relatively few, voter turnout was high, and all in all the day was very positive, he said. "The security forces, with whom the OSCE Mission worked closely during the day, conducted themselves professionally and in the interests of all citizens, to ensure an atmosphere where such a large number of people felt free to vote. We note that the police quickly detained persons allegedly responsible for the most serious incident, where a ballot box was forcefully taken in Lesok, near Tetovo.
"We also join in commending the State Election Commission and other electoral bodies for their overall professionalism, neutrality and efficiency."
Acknowledging that the campaign had sometimes been competitive, Ambassador Jenness noted that competition was part of democracy.
"But now that the votes are in, we encourage all leaders, regardless of the results, to continue to act with the dignity and moderation that characterized the general tone after the polls closed", he said. "It was impressive to see the reactions of both winners and losers of the elections, after the first results were published: the winners were moderate and showed respect for their competitors; the losers congratulated the winners, accepted the vote of the majority and announced that they would form a democratic and strong opposition for the next four years A strong opposition is a most important pillar of a functional democracy.
"Above all", Ambassador Jenness added, "Sunday was a victory for the democratic process and for the overwhelming majority of the citizens of this country who want peace, stability and a good future for their families."
Reported incidents were relatively few, voter turnout was high, and all in all the day was very positive, he said. "The security forces, with whom the OSCE Mission worked closely during the day, conducted themselves professionally and in the interests of all citizens, to ensure an atmosphere where such a large number of people felt free to vote. We note that the police quickly detained persons allegedly responsible for the most serious incident, where a ballot box was forcefully taken in Lesok, near Tetovo.
"We also join in commending the State Election Commission and other electoral bodies for their overall professionalism, neutrality and efficiency."
Acknowledging that the campaign had sometimes been competitive, Ambassador Jenness noted that competition was part of democracy.
"But now that the votes are in, we encourage all leaders, regardless of the results, to continue to act with the dignity and moderation that characterized the general tone after the polls closed", he said. "It was impressive to see the reactions of both winners and losers of the elections, after the first results were published: the winners were moderate and showed respect for their competitors; the losers congratulated the winners, accepted the vote of the majority and announced that they would form a democratic and strong opposition for the next four years A strong opposition is a most important pillar of a functional democracy.
"Above all", Ambassador Jenness added, "Sunday was a victory for the democratic process and for the overwhelming majority of the citizens of this country who want peace, stability and a good future for their families."