Highlights on the Macedonian Elections Process 2008

» Statement from the US Embassy about the Election Reruns

June 12, 2008

On Sunday, June 15, Macedonia has another opportunity to demonstrate it can conduct elections that meet international standards. The United States Government wants Macedonia to succeed in holding free, fair, and peaceful reruns which will help make the case for continued progress toward NATO and EU membership...more.


» US Statement on Macedonian Parliamentary Elections

June 2 2008

The U.S. Embassy expresses deep concern over the severe shortcomings noted by domestic and international observers in yesterday’s parliamentary elections and as reflected in ODIHR’s June 2 report. We are especially disappointed by high levels of violence – resulting in one death and several injured – and intimidation of voters, electoral officials and accredited observers by armed groups associated with the major ethnic Albanian parties...more.

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

Skopje, 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…more.


» U.S. Embassy Condemns Theft of Transmitting Equipment

May 27, 2008

We join the other members of the international community in strongly condemning the theft of transmitting equipment from broadcasters Alsat М and ART. The timing of this egregious crime can only be seen as an attempt to silence an important voice in the media at a critical time and to deny citizens of Macedonia information about the upcoming elections. The authorities must act quickly and decisively to investigate this crime and prosecute thоse responsible.


» Statement of The United States Embassy

May 19, 2008

All attempts to suggest that the United States favors or supports any party or coalition are unwelcome and wholly untrue.  The United States does not call on citizens to vote for specific candidates or parties. As we have said in the recent past, any U.S. citizens who may be assisting a party or candidate in these elections are doing so in a personal capacity without any connection or special access to the United States Government...more. 


» Joint Statement by United States Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic and EU Special Representative and Head of EC Delegation Ambassador Erwan Fouéré

Skopje, 16 May 2008

EU Special Representative (EUSR)/Head of Delegation (HoD) Ambassador Erwan Fouéré and U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic met with the leaders of DPA and DUI respectively, today 16 May, to discuss the recent acts of violence and other election-related issues...more.


» Statement of the United States Embassy regarding yesterday’s Events

May 13, 2008

All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia must be free to participate in the election process without intimidation or pressure.  Yesterday’s shocking shooting at a Democratic Union for Integration party rally, combined with multiple grenade attacks on DUI campaign offices and a series of other violent actions, gravely threatens that fundamental democratic right.  Macedonian authorities must defend the rights of their citizens and ensure the rule of law, urgently, consistently, and transparently.   Any political party that intimidates candidates or voters deserves no support.   As a friend and partner, the United States Embassy is deeply concerned about the current election atmosphere in Macedonia.

» U.S. Embassy Statement on the Election Campaign

May 9, 2008

The United States believes that the proper conduct of elections is essential to Macedonia’s future. As Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister Milososki noted in our Declaration on May 7, “a democratic, secure and prosperous Macedonia, with friendly and constructive relations with its neighbors and as an active participant in regional and international economic, political and security fora, is vital to peace and stability in Southeast Europe.”...more.


» U.S. Supports Fair Election Process, Stays Neutral on Candidates

April 17, 2008

Regarding recent media reports that some political parties in the Republic of Macedonia have engaged “U.S. experts” to help their election campaigns, the U.S. Embassy would like to clarify that if political parties hire “U.S. experts,” they are hiring private U.S. citizens who work as consultants. The United States government does not endorse or support any particular political party or candidate. Official U.S. government expertise is provided only on a non-exclusive, non-partisan basis. Any "U.S. experts” who may be involved in a campaign do not represent the United States government or any official bodies.


» U.S. Embassy Statement on the Recent Election-related Incidents

May 12, 2008

Successful elections are vitally important for Macedonia’s future. The U.S. Embassy condemns the violent events that marred the opening of the election campaign in Macedonia this weekend. Violence and intimidation have no part in the democratic process. We urge Macedonian authorities to investigate these incidents and to prosecute the perpetrators as appropriate. We call upon all political party leaders to honor the pledges they made by signing the Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Elections, and to demonstrate through constructive action that they are fully committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections in Macedonia.



» Joint Statement by EU Special Representative and Head of EC Delegation Erwan Fouéré, OSCE Head of Mission Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, and United States Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic

April 16, 2008

We call on all parties to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections, thereby demonstrating their commitment to Euro-Atlantic values. The conduct of the electoral campaign and the elections will present an opportunity for this country to fully demonstrate the maturity of its democratic institutions.…more.

» STATEMENT FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY

March 19, 2008

The United States strongly wants a successful NATO enlargement now, including the Republic of Macedonia. Ambassador Milovanovic has been meeting with political party leaders to brief them on her recent consultations with U.S. officials in Washington on Macedonia's NATO candidacy. She has urged political leaders to support rapid conclusion of a negotiated settlement of the name issue. She is urging all parties to work actively together for national unity and a nonpolitical approach in order to achieve a successful outcome. Now is not the time for political gamesmanship. Now is the time to set aside party political calculation and instead to focus on achieving the future Macedonia wants for itself -- a future that the United States also wants for Macedonia. The United States is focusing its efforts on supporting progress in the UN mediation effort with the hope that we can all celebrate a NATO invitation at Bucharest.