Press Release

EU and U.S. call for free and fair elections on June 1

May 31, 2008

The EU and the United States call for free and fair elections on June 1 free from intimidation and in line with international standards.
We call on all citizens eligible to vote to strengthen Macedonia’s democracy and help build its future by exercising this right on 1 June.

Every eligible voter has the right to "one vote, one ballot" -- proxy voting, family voting, and other violations of that right cannot and must not be tolerated.   

The government must enforce a "zero tolerance policy" for acts of violence or intimidation, either inside or around polling stations, on Election Day or in the days after. State law enforcement authorities and institutions must vigorously pursue election-related violations of the law, in particular violations of the electoral code.  They must investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators to the fullest extent and with the full force of the law.  There must be an end to impunity for offenders who break the law, tarnishing this country's democratic credentials.

All political party leaders have the responsibility to ensure they and their supporters respect and uphold the Code of Conduct for Fair Elections.  Political party leaders must ensure their supporters respect the independence of local and international election monitors, who must be permitted to carry out their duties in an atmosphere free of intimidation, political pressure, or other influence. 

It is our hope that on Election Day this country's citizens and political leaders will rise to the challenge and demonstrate the capacity and the will to conduct elections that meet international standards and further the country's EU and NATO integration aspirations.