The failure of the implementation of the necessary reforms puts the spotlight on the question of holding early parliamentary elections which are scheduled for April next year said the the U.S Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Vienna, Daniel Baer, in his address to the Council.
He stresses that the US is concerned that the political parties had missed a key deadline for October the 20th to reach an agreement on forming a Provisional government and also worried on questions about laws protecting whistle-blowers and the protection of privacy.
“The United States is following carefully ongoing efforts in Macedonia to implement the political agreement between the major parties, known as the Przhino Agreement. Adherence to the agreement represents Macedonia’s best path forward out of its current political crisis. Disclosures made in recordings obtained from illegal wire taps raised concerns about possible electoral fraud, media manipulation, and corruption, suggesting a failure to uphold Macedonia’s OSCE commitments”, said Mr Baer.
According to the US Ambassador to the OSCE, the Special Prosecutor must be given the resources and staff needed to fulfill this role, and political parties should not seek to influence or constrain the Special Prosecutor’s pursuit of her mandate.
By fully implementing the Special Prosecutor law says Mr Baer, Macedonia’s leaders will demonstrate to their citizens that they understand the need for a full investigation into the allegations of widespread wrongdoing that were raised after the wire taps were publicly released.
“Parallel to the criminal investigation, a parliamentary committee should conduct a full and transparent inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding this alleged misconduct and provide concrete reform recommendations to prevent a similar situation from arising.” Daniel Baer points out.
He urges the political leadership in the country to refrain from restricting freedom of expression.
“While protections for privacy are important, we urge Macedonia’s political leadership to refrain from introducing restrictions on freedom of expression that are inconsistent with its OSCE commitments”, says Baer.
According to Baer, although the parties have made progress in the agreement on electoral reforms, their implementation requires urgent strengthening of the capacity of the State Election Commission (SEC).
“There is no time for delay, especially in the hiring of much-needed staff. The parties also need to address previous recommendations made by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to establish a level playing field for elections. Failure to do so will lead to serious questions as to whether conditions will be conducive to elections in April 2016. We are encouraged that ODIHR will send a pre-election assessment team to Macedonia in November”, notes Daniel Baer, adding that at the time of many external challenges, such as the flood of refugees and migration, violent extremism and the unresolved name issue must not increase the internal conflict in Macedonia, but that “now is the time for the country’s leaders to work together to move their country forward”.
