EU: Newly elected mayors must contribute to reforms

17 October 2017

The local elections held on October 15th were held in a competitive environment, according to the statement of the Delegation of the European Union in Skopje, regarding the elections.

In the evaluation of the election process, the EU refers to the initial report of the OSCE / ODIHR Mission and urges the authorities in the country to effectively review the recommendations that will be delivered by the OSCE / ODIHR.

“OSCE/ODIHR assessed that the municipal elections contributed to strengthening confidence in the democratic process, and that fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression were respected overall. Some credible allegations of violations were however noted during the pre-electoral period.The authorities should effectively address forthcoming recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR. The European Union stands ready to assist in this process. The country will be preparing the second round of elections in some municipalities on 29 October, all political representatives need to act responsibly and all institutions need to ensure conditions for a credible and transparent electoral process”, reads the statement.

The European Union encourages the newly elected members of local bodies to contribute to advancing the EU reform agenda. The EU will continue to support the country in its reform process, with a view to its European Union integration path

RELATED ARTICLES

More than 1.1 million asylum applications in Europe last year

638 scholarships granted to Romani pupils during the 2020/2021 school year in North Macedonia

EEAS Conference: The EU must impose its role as a factor that is moving things forward