Skopje, 27 January 2023 (MIA) - Formal procedures for the election of a caretaker government that will be tasked with administering the May 8 elections will begin im mid-January. The first coordination meeting among whips will take place on January 9, whereas the new Speaker should be elected by January 20, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi tells MIA.

Xhaferi, who has been nominated as caretaker PM, will be replaced by Jovan Mitreski of SDSM, followed by the election of the caretaker government on January 28.

"These are specific situations that go beyond the Parliament's Rules of Procedures over regular offices and procedures. Separate sessions will be held for the election of a Speaker and Government, since I cannot serve as Speaker and PM-designate at the same time," says Xhaferi.