Rokas: The electoral law is of good quality; the solution requires agreement between the parties

EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas said that discussions are still ongoing over the blocked changes to the Electoral Code and that consensus between the sides is essential for this process. He assessed that the code itself, in essence, is good.

During the promotion of new military equipment at the Ilinden barracks, Rokas stated that ODIHR and the EC have given a positive assessment, while, according to him, what remains to be resolved are the modalities. He said he understands that disagreements exist precisely over these modalities, but added that he feels there is goodwill to overcome them.

Rokas stressed that the Parliamentary Commission on Elections is already working and expressed hope that the sides will be able to sit down together and reach consensus on this sensitive topic, which is linked to such an important issue. According to him, the foundations of the law and the law itself are truly very good.

Meanwhile, the amendments to the Electoral Code have remained on hold. A contentious point remains electronic voting by the diaspora. The government asked the opposition to agree to a constructive debate instead of parliamentary obstruction, stressing that the Electoral Code is part of North Macedonia’s reform obligations. On the other hand, SDSM accused them of attempting to steal election votes.