In the periodic report from the OSCE-ODIHR, for the period from March the 31st to April the 19th, the organization wrote that the political climate in the country has deteriorated after the decision made by President Gjorge Ivanov to grant mass pardons, and the SEC which operates in a tense political atmosphere.
“The political climate has worsened since April the 12th, when President Ivanov granted pardons to people all suspects, under investigation and are suspected of being involved in what is now known as the wire tapping scandal. All major political parties condemned the pardons and called on the President to withdraw his decision”, the report wrote.
As for the State Election Commission (SEC), it says that they works in a tense political atmosphere.
“The SEC operates in a tense political atmosphere and their long sessions attract considerable attention from the media. On April the 15th, the SEC ruled that they ready to implement “fair and democratic elections.” The SEC Chairman and two members on the commission from the opposition, refused to participate in the vote, “ concludes the OSCE-ODIHR’s periodic report.
The document also states that from some of the stakeholders who discussed the election observation mission, expressed concern about the decline of media freedom because of political pressure and interference from the owners in the work of journalists.
“They too, also stressed the need for substantial reforms. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media also urged authorities to ease pressure on the media, and to respect the free and critical-minded voters”, the report said.
According to the OSCE-ODIHR, even some minority parties stated that they felt there are no conditions for credible elections, and therefore will not participate in elections.
