Nuhiu: Electoral code urgently needs change, EU funds also at stake

Representatives of institutions and experts emphasize that reforming the Electoral Code is inevitable. Although there are already efforts to adopt it, the process is still in the negotiation phase.

Political scientist Qani Nuhiu, in a statement to TVM-2, stressed that these changes must be made without delay, because the current electoral legislation no longer suits the times.

“The legal framework that defines the electoral process is a highly important element of the political system and the democratic development of a country. This matter requires a broad compromise in a political-ethnic state, i.e., in two segments, since regardless of how large or small the parties in parliament are, all must agree on a certain model. This strengthens political cohesion and increases the legitimacy of the respective law, i.e., the Electoral Code, among all entities, providing them with equal opportunities. In the case of North Macedonia, future changes must also take this dimension into account,” Nuhiu said.

He added that alongside domestic demands, pressure from the international factor for changes is also considerable.

“Therefore it is high time that this electoral system, specifically the Electoral Code, undergoes the necessary transformations for which an agreement will be reached. Ideally, it would be good to include all political parties, or an overwhelming majority that would agree, and for the changes to be implemented that way. This would certainly respond to the times, because the current code cannot withstand the challenges; it was adopted in 2002 and has undergone over 30 changes so far. Hence, there is a need to draft it in a clear and enforceable manner for electoral institutions, as well as to find solutions that stand the test of time, with the ultimate goal of democratizing the state, society, and achieving better representation for the citizens of North Macedonia,” concluded the political scientist.

The adoption of changes to the Electoral Code and the Criminal Code are part of the obligations stemming from the Reform Agenda. For this reason, beyond political necessity, failure to adopt them also calls into question 4.28 million euros linked to this reform under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.