Skopje, 13 October 2023 (MIA) - Our stance on elections is clear and agreed upon. Elections will be held in the regular slot, and the timing can be discussed in line with the Parliament deadlines. Political party representatives can meet and discuss the details, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Friday.

PM Kovachevski explained that the Electoral Code amendments are currently debated, the working group of the Ministry of Justice has held meetings with political party experts and representatives, except for representatives from the biggest opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, "as the party has not participated in any meetings so far because they are a stage of blockade and isolation."

"The Electoral Code amendments in line with OSCE and ODIHR recommendations are in the final phase. They will be reviewed by political parties at the level of working groups. The Parliament Speaker has already held coordination meetings with representatives of all parliamentary groups, informed them about possible election dates, and it would be possible to also meet and start negotiating details on working materials and working groups," Kovachevski said.

He reiterated that the concept of a European Macedonia is present in the country, led by the Government and SDSM, treating all citizens equally regardless of their ethnic, religious or any other affiliation, contrary to the pluralism, which he said is based on "ethno-nationalism and xenophobia, which is form of modern fascism." ssh/ik/