Skopje, 6 March 2024 (MIA) – The draft amendments of the Electoral Code which, in addition to implementing the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, further specify the provisions related to the registration of voters by removing the limits on the basis of expired identification documents, and clarify the procedure for the registration of persons that will turn 18 between the two election rounds, will be discussed by lawmakers in the Parliament at a session Thursday.

A transitional provision in the amendment is set to allow voters whose ID cards or passports expired 9 months before the elections to vote at the elections.

The draft amendments of the Electoral Code have been submitted by MPs Arber Ademi (DUI), Martin Kostovski (SDSM) and Nikola Micevski (VMRO-DPMNE).

The motion for the amendments states that the goal is to improve the electoral process and ensure an equal, democratic and a free right to vote.

“With the draft amendments, the recommendations of OSCE/ODIHR noted in the final reports for previous elections in the country are being implemented. Namely, recommendations related to the legislation, the appeal procedure and the complaint procedure for the protection of the right to vote; election observation; voter registration; election campaign; financing of the campaign; media reporting in the electoral process. These recommendations and their implementation aim to improve the process of holding elections in the country and support the efforts for their complete alignment with the OSCE commitments and other international commitments and standards for democratic elections,” states the motion.

Photo: MIA Archive