Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Electoral districts shall include (cover) the polling stations within the borders of the municipalities where the citizens exercise their right to vote.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 174 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Election districts comprise (consist) of the polling stations within the municipal borders where the citizens exercise their election right. (Art. 174(1))
There are seven electoral districts in the Republic of Macedonia (Art. 175(1))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 174 (1) and 175 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Election districts comprise (consist) of the polling stations within the municipal borders where the citizens exercise their election right. (Art 174 (1))
The territorial division of the Republic and the area administered by each municipality are defined by law. (Constitution f the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 116)
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 174 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia as amended 2011, Art. 116: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Electoral Code, Article 4(1)
The election of the President of the Republic shall be conducted on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and in the diplomatic-consular offices (hereinafter: DCOs) of the Republic of Macedonia in Europe and Africa, North and South America and Australia and Asia, as a single electoral district, according to the majoritarian model.
Constitution, Article 81
A candidate for President of the Republic can be nominated by a minimum of 10,000 voters or at least 30 Representatives. A candidate for President of the Republic is elected if voted by a majority of the total number of voters. If in the first round of voting no candidate wins the majority required, voting in the second round is restricted to the two candidates who have won most votes in the first round. The second round takes place within 14 days of the termination of voting in the first round. A candidate is elected President if he/she wins a majority of the votes of those who voted, provided more than half of the registered voters voted. If in the second round of voting no candidate wins the required majority of votes, the whole electoral procedure is repeated. If only one candidate is nominated for the post od President of the Republic and he/she does not obtain the required majority of votes in the first round, the whole electoral procedure is repeated.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 4 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 81.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
d . Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The President of the Republic of Macedonia is obliged, within 10 days of the constitution of the Assembly, to entrust the mandate for constituting the Government to a candidate from the party or parties which has/have a majority in the Assembly. Within 20 days from the day of being entrusted with the mandate, the mandator submits a programme to the Assembly and proposes the composition of the Government. The Government is elected by the Assembly on the proposal of the mandator and on the basis of the programme by a majority vote of the total number of Representatives. (Art. 90)
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 90:
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic, the Members of Parliament, the Members of Councils and the Mayorof the municipalityshall be elected at general, direct, and free elections, insecret ballot. (Electoral Code, Art 3(1))
Article 79 The President of the Republic Macedonia represents the Republic. The president of the Republic is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Macedonia. The President of the Republic exercises his/her rights and duties on the basis and within the framework of the Constitution and laws. (Constitution, Art. 79)
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 4 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 79-90.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia is a representative body of the citizens and the legislative power of the Republic is vested in it. (Art. 61)
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 61.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: In the Parliament of Republic of Macedonia, 120-123 Members of Parliament(hereinafter: MPs) shall be elected, of which 120 according to the proportional model, whereby the territory of Republic of Macedonia shall be divided into six electoral districts, as determined in this Code, and each electoral district shall elect 20 MPs, and 3 MPs shall be elected according to the proportional model in one electoral district which covers Europe, Africa, North and South America, Australia and Asia. (Art. 4(2).
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 4(2): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens
Law on Political Parties
Law on Financing Political Parties
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Law on Political Parties: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1158157/1226_1381487580_fyrom-law-on-political-parties-2008.pdf
Law on Financing Political Parties: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1100019/1226_1424430044_2012-11-24-law-financing-political-parties-en.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: Referendum: This Law shall regulate the manner and procedure for scheduling and carrying out a referendum,
raising citizen’s initiative, calling and holding gathering of the citizens, as well as other issues
relevant to the direct vote of the citizens.
Election code: This Code shall regulate the manner, conditions and procedure for election of the President of the
Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: "President of the Republic"), election of Members of the
Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: "Members of Parliament"), election of
Members of the Council of the Municipality and the Council of the City of Skopje (hereinafter:
"Members of Council"), and election of Mayors of the municipalities and Mayor of the City of
Skopje (hereinafter: "Mayor"), the manner of and procedure for registering the right to vote,
maintaining the Voter List, determining the boundaries of the electoral districts and determining,
changing and publishing the polling stations as well as the conditions for the functioning of polling
stations.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who is at least 18 years of age, has the
capacity to contract and has a permanent residence in the electoral district, municipality
or in the City of Skopje, where the election takes place, shall have the right to vote.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 6: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: Article 31: (2) The State Election Commission shall:
35. decide upon complaints based on inspection of the election materials and other evidence.
Article 37: (2) The Municipal Election Commission and the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall: 16. decide upon complaints in accordance with this Code.
Article 48: (1) A citizen may, throughout the year, request to inspect the excerpt of the Voters List in the regional offices of the State Election Commission, DCO, i.e. consular offices and through Internet.
Article 147: (1) The procedure for the protection of the right to vote is urgent.
(2) The submissions (complaints and appeals) for the protection of the right to vote shall be submitted directly to the competent bodies via the institutions that have made the previous decisions.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, Art. 31 (2), 37 (2), 48 (1), 147 (1-2): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The State Election Commission shall safeguard the legality of the preparation and administration of the elections in accordance with this Code and shall supervise the work of the election management bodies. (Art. 31(1))
[The Electoral Code encompasses regulations of both national and local elections.]
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 31 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The funds for administering elections shall be provided from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia and they shall be at the disposal of the State Election Commission. (Electoral Code, Art. 88(1))
The Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia:
- adopts the budget and the balance of payments of the Republic.
(Constitution, Art. 68, excerpt)
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 88(1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 68:
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government g . Other
Comments: The State Election Commission shall: (…) 4. control the legality of the work of the election management bodies and take measures in case of violations related to the preparations, procedure for nomination, administration of the elections and establishing of the election results, as well as in case of violation of its instructions and recommendations: (Art. 31(2.4))
State Audit Office:
This Law shall define the terms and manner for performing state audit of public expenditures, financial reports and financial transactions and other questions related to audit of government bodies, bodies of local government units, legal entities fully or partly financed by the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia, budget of local government units and budgets of the funds (hereinafter: general budget users), legal entities where the state is a dominant shareholder, public enterprises, National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, Payment Operations Bureau, the funds, agencies and other institutions established by law and users of European Union funds and other international funds. (Law on State Audit, Art. 1)
Source: State Audit Law (As amended) ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia": https://dzr.mk/sites/default/files/2021-08/State_Audit_Law_clear_text_2021_ENG_p.pdf
Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 31:
https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The mandate of the President, the Vice President and the members of the State Election Commission shall be effective from the day of election by the Assembly of Republic of Macedonia until the election of the new composition of the State Election Commission, but not longer than two years. (Electoral Code, Art. 26(4))
The State Election Commission shall appoint a Secretary-General for a period of 5 years. (Electoral Code, Art. 30(1))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 26: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of
Information Society and Administration, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the State
Statistical Office, the General Services Department of the Government of the Republic
of Macedonia and their regional offices, as well as the municipalities and the City of
Skopje, shall be obliged to provide election management bodies with the technical,
spatial and other conditions required for their operation.
The State Election Commission shall consist of a President, Vice-President and five
members.
(2) The President and the Vice-President shall be members of the State Election
Commission.
(3) The President, the Vice President and the members of the State Election Commission
shall fulfil the responsibilities of their office professionally
(1) The Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Statistical Office, the General Services Department of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and their regional offices, as well as the municipalities and the City of Skopje, shall be obliged to provide election management bodies with the technical, spatial and other conditions required for their operation.
(2)For implementing the activities from paragraph(1)of this article, the bodies shall be provided with funds from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia. (Electoral Code, Art 25 (1) and (2))
The State Election Commission shall have the capacity of a legal entity. (Electoral Code, Art. 26(6))
Source: Website of the Central Election Commission: http://www.sec.mk/principi-na-rabota-na-dik/
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, articles 25-26 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: (1) The State Election Commission shall consist of a President, Vice-President and five members. (2) The President and the Vice-President shall be members of the State Election Commission. (Art. 26(1), 26(2))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 26 (1-2): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: A person may be elected a President, Vice President or member of the State Election
Commission if he/she fulfils the following requirements:
− is a citizen of Republic of Macedonia and has a permanent residence in the Republic
of Macedonia;
− has completed higher education, with at least eight years of work experience;
− is not a member of a body of a political party.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 27 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
d . Opposition e . Legislature g . Political parties
Comments: (3) The Parliamentary Committee on Election and Appointment Affairs shall prepare a draft-list of the applicants and shall submit it to the Parliament.
(4)From the candidates on the draft list for members of the State Election Commission, the opposition political parties shall propose the President and two members of the State Election Commission, whereas the ruling political parties shall propose the Vice President and three members of the State Election Commission.
(5)The President, the Vice President and the members of the State Election Commission shall be elected by the Parliament, with a two-thirds majority of the votes of the total number of MPs.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 27 (3-5): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies i . Media
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 13: (1) Citizens shall be informed about the elections through a public call and by displaying posters on visible places.(2)The informing from paragraph (1) of this article shall be made available by the competent election commission.
Electoral Code, Art. 31: (2) State Election Commission shall: (…) (15) Inform and educate the public about the manner of voting and the exercise of the right to vote. (…) (33) provide media with data on the number of voters registered in the Voter Register i.e. the Voter Lists that have been signed;
Electoral Code, Art. 37: (2) The Municipal Election Commission and the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall: (…) (9) inform the citizens about the polling locations;
Electoral Code, Art. 49: (3) Upon displaying the Voter Lists for public inspection, the State Election Commission shall use the media to inform the citizens of the place of inspection, the manners of conducting the inspection, the duration of the inspection and the possibility for entry, addition or deletion of data in the Voter Register
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 13, 31, 37, 49: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 13: (1) The citizens shall be informed about the carrying out the elections through a public call and by displaying posters on visible places. (2) The informing from paragraph (1) of this article shall be done by the competent election commission.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 13 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/11/19
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Every citizen on reaching 18 years of age acquires the right to vote. The right to vote is equal, universal and direct, and is exercised at free elections by secret ballot. Persons deprived of the right to practice their profession by a court verdict do not have the right to vote. (Constitution, Art. 22)
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 22.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who is at least 18 years of age, has the capacity to contract and has a permanent residence in the electoral district, municipality or in the City of Skopje, where the election takes place, shall have the right to vote. (Electoral Code, Art. 6 (1))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 6: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Article 41: (1) The Voter Register shall be maintained by the State Election Commission, which is the only body responsible for its update.
Article 42: (1) The State Election Commission perform the entry, addition and deletion of data in the Voter Register ex officio, based on data from the registers of births, records on residence and citizenship of the Republic of Macedonia, other official records and through direct inspection. (2) The State Election Commission shall perform the entry, addition and deletion of data in the Voter Register upon citizens’ request, based on the adopted Rulebook on the Methodology for Full Access, Amendment and Deletion of Data in the Voter Register.
Article 43: (1) The Ministry of Interior shall submit data to the State Election Commission on citizens who: who have turned 18 years of age on or before Election Day (for the first and second
round) who possess a valid ID card or travel document;
− who have turned 18 years of age whose ID card or travel document validity expires
in the period from the announcement of the elections to their administering;
− who have turned 18 years of age and have moved to or from a specific municipality
or who have changed the address of residence within the municipality;
− who have turned 18 years of age and have changed the name or surname;
− who have turned 18 years of age and have obtained or lost the Citizenship of the
Republic of Macedonia,
− who have turned 18 years of age and are temporarily employed or residing abroad
and
− photograph and fingerprints
Article 44: (1) The authority in charge of executing sanctions shall submit data to the State Election Commission on persons who are in detention or serving prison sentence, based on the records kept by this authority, at the national level and not later than 30 days prior to Election Day or referendum.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, articles 41 (1), 42, 43, 44 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 41:
(4) All citizens who have turned 18 years of age, with residence on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and who possess a valid ID card or travel document shall be registered in the Voter Register.
(5)All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia who are temporarily employed or residing abroad, with residence on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and with a valid travel documents hall also be registered in the Voter List. These persons shall be registered according to their last residence in the Republic of Macedonia prior to their departure abroad.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 41: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: Law on Political Parties, Art. 11 (1) A political party may be established by at least 1.000 citizens of the Republic of Macedonia who have voting right and who have given their signatures for establishment of only one political party.
Electoral Code, Art. 60 (7): The list of candidates shall be signed personally by the authorised representative of the list submitter.
Electoral Code, Art. 61 (1): In cases when the submitter of a list of candidates for Members of Parliament is a group of voters, at least 1,000 signatures of the voters registered in the Voter List of the relevant electoral district have to be collected.
Source: Law on Political Parties, article 11: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1158157/1226_1381487580_fyrom-law-on-political-parties-2008.pdf
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 60(7): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Electoral Code, Article 7:
(2) A citizen of the Republic of Macedonia can stand as a candidate for the election of a
Member of Parliament, Member of Council and Mayor if he/she:
- Is 18 years of age, and
- has the capacity to contract.
(3) A person cannot stand as a candidate for the election of a Member of Parliament,
Member of Council and Mayor if he/she:
- has been issued a final court decision for unconditional imprisonment of more
than six months and has still not started serving the sentence, and
- is serving a sentence of imprisonment for committing a criminal offence.
Article 60: (1) Registered political parties, coalitions, as well as groups of voters (hereinafter: "list submitter") shall have the right to submit a list of candidates for Members of Parliament, Members of Council, i.e. list of candidate for Mayor.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 7 and 60: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Article 2: (7) “Independent candidate” is a candidate for election of President of the Republic, Member of Parliament, Mayor or Member of Council supported by a “group of voters”
Article 59: (1) A list of candidate for President of the Republic may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters or at least 30 Members of Parliament.
Article 60: (1) Registered political parties, coalitions, as well as groups of voters (hereinafter: "list submitter") shall have the right to submit a list of candidates for Members of Parliament, Members of Council, i.e. list of candidate for Mayor.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 2 (7), 59 (1), 60 (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: Law on Financing of Political Parties, Art. 7: The political parties shall be financed by public and private sources of financing.
Law on Financing of Political Parties, Art. 8: The public sources for financing the political parties shall be the funds envisaged in the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia.
Source: Law on Financing Political Parties: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1100019/1226_1424430044_2012-11-24-law-financing-political-parties-en.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: 10. (1-2) The funds for financing the political parties, in the amount of 30% provided by the Budget of the Republic of
Macedonia shall be allocated equally to all political parties that have won at least 1% of the votes of the turnout at
the last elections for representatives in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, at national level, or at the last
held local elections in the self-government unit.
The funds for financing the political parties, in the amount of 70% provided by the Budget of the Republic of
Macedonia shall be allocated to political parties whose candidates are elected as representatives in the Assembly
of the Republic of Macedonia, proportionally to the number of elected representatives, and to political parties
whose candidates are elected counselors at the last held local elections, proportionally to the number of
counselors elected.
Source: Law on Financing Political Parties: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1100019/1226_1424430044_2012-11-24-law-financing-political-parties-en.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Law on Financing of Political Parties, Art 13:
Private sources of financing the political parties shall be:
- membership fee,
- donations, gifts, contributions, grants, sponsorships (hereinafter: donations),
- legates,
- sale of promotional and advertising material and
- own incomes in accordance with this Law.
Electoral Code, Article 83 (2):
The election campaign may be financed by:
-the membership fee of the political party;
-private persons, up to 3.000 Euro in MKD equivalent; and
-legal entities, to the amount of 30.000 Euro in MKD equivalent.
(3) The election campaign may be financed by donations of private persons and legal entities in a form of money, goods and services in a value that may not exceed the amount determined in paragraph (2), lines 2 and 3 of this article.
Source: Law on Financing Political Parties, art. 13: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1100019/1226_1424430044_2012-11-24-law-financing-political-parties-en.pdf
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 83(2-3): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Article 101
(3) The Election Board may close the polling station before the end of the period from
paragraph (1) of this article in case when all voters registered in the Voter List have
already cast their votes, but shall not start with the counting of the votes before 19:00
hours.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 101 (3) and 114: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: The complaint regarding the voting procedure shall be submitted within 48 hours after
the end of the voting, whereas the complaint regarding the procedure for tabulation and
determining of the results shall be submitted within 48 hours after the preliminary
results are announced.
(3) The State Election Commission is required to establish the facts and circumstances that
are of importance for the deciding upon the complaint and, if needed, it can do so by
adducing evidence such as: documents, testimonies of witnesses, statements given by
the parties, expert examinations, inspection of the voting material and other evidence.
The State Election Commission is required to pass a decision within 72 hours after the
receipt of the complaint
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 148 (2 and 3): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance b . Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: 76a(5)
During the election campaign, in the first and the second round of voting, the Public
Broadcasting Service shall broadcast free political presentation of the participants in the
election process, pursuant to the principles for balanced coverage of elections prescribed
in Article 75-а of this Code.
75(a)
(1) Broadcasters shall ensure balanced coverage of the elections in all forms of electoral
presentation in the media in the following manner:
a) For the elections for President of the Republic, in accordance with the principle of
equality for all presidential candidates both in the first and the second round of
elections;
b) For the elections for Members of the Parliament of Republic of Macedonia, in
accordance with the principle of proportionality based on the number of
confirmed lists of candidates for Members of Parliament; and
c) For the local elections:
- For the election of Mayor of municipality, i.e. Mayor of the City of Skopje, in
accordance with the principle of equality for all candidates for Mayors both in
the first and second round of elections;
- For the election of Members of Councils of the municipalities, i.e. Members of
the Council of the City of Skopje, for broadcasters at the national and regional
level in accordance with the principle of proportionality, based on the number
of confirmed lists of candidates for Members of Councils of the municipalities
or Members of the Council of the City of Skopje, whereas for broadcasters at
the local level - in accordance with the principle of equality.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 76-a (5), 75(a): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: 76a(11) As of the day of calling the elections until the election silence, the Public
Broadcasting Service is required to organize debates or hustings of the main ruling and
opposition political parties, as well as of the other participants in the election process.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 76-a (11): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
c . 4-5 days
Comments: Article 77: (1) Opinion polls related to participants in the election process shall be published no later than five days before Election Day for the first and the second round of voting.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 77 (1)): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The maximum amount for paid advertising is not indicated. However, the details of the advertisement, the additional time for advertising from the daily broadcasting time for the paid political advertisement and the equal prices for all the candidates are determined.
Articles 75-a: (1)During the election campaign the broadcasters covering the elections can broadcast additional 15 minutes of advertising on every real hour broadcasted program, exclusively allocated for paid political advertising whereas only 10 minutes can be allocated to a single participant in the election campaign.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 75-a (1): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 2:
Sovereignty in the Republic of Macedonia derives from the citizens and belongs to the citizens.The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia exercise their authority through democratically elected Representatives, through referendum and through other forms of direct expression.
Article 71:
The right to propose adoption of a law is given to every Representative of the Assembly, to the Government of the Republic and to a group of at least 10,000 voters. The initiative for adopting a law may be given to the authorized instances by any citizen, group of citizens, institutions or associations.
Article 73
The Assembly decides on issuing notice of a referendum concerning specific matters within its sphere of competence by a majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision of the majority of voters in a referendum is adopted on condition that more than half of the total number of voters voted. The Assembly is obliged to issue notice of a referendum if one is proposed by at least 150,000 voters. The decision made in a referendum is binding.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 2, 71, 73:
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 74:
The Assembly makes decisions on any change in the borders of the Republic by a two-thirds majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision on any change in the borders of the Republic is adopted by referendum, in so far as it is accepted by the majority of the total number of voters.
Article 120: The decision of association in or dissociation from a union or community is adopted if it is upheld in a referendum by the majority of the total number of voters in the Republic.
Law on Referendum:
Article 23: Referendum at state level must be scheduled for adopting a decision in the Assembly for changing
the border of the Republic of Macedonia and for decision on joining in or joining out of an
association or community with other states.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 74 and 120.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, art. 23:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 73:
The Assembly decides on issuing notice of a referendum concerning specific matters within its sphere of competence by a majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision of the majority of voters in a referendum is adopted on condition that more than half of the total number of voters voted. The Assembly is obliged to issue notice of a referendum if one is proposed by at least 150,000 voters. The decision made in a referendum is binding.
Law on Referendum:
Article 24:
Referendum at state level may also be scheduled in case of a need of ratification of international
agreements and other issues within the competence of the Assembly (previous referendum) and
decisions adopted by the Assembly or for the purpose of citizens stating their opinion regarding
other issues the Assembly has already decided upon (additional referendum).
Article 25:
Referendum at state level may be scheduled for issues that shall be regulated by law (previous
referendum) or for the purpose of re-evaluating a law being previously adopted (additional
referendum).
Article 26:
For issues of broader significance to the citizens and the Republic a consultative referendum may be announced.
The decision made on the consultative referendum shall not oblige the Assembly.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 73.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 24-26:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 73:
The Assembly is obliged to issue notice of a referendum if one is proposed by at least 150,000 voters.
Law on Referendum:
(1) Citizens’ initiative shall be a form of direct vote of the citizens when deciding by raising initiatives
with the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the councils of the municipalities, the City of
Skopje and the municipalities in the city of Skopje.
(2) Citizens’ initiative may be started for submitting a proposal on amending the Constitution of the
Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: the Constitution), proposal on adopting law and initiation of a
referendum at state level (hereinafter: citizen’s initiative at state level).
(3) Citizens’ initiative may be started even for adopting particular regulation of the municipalities,
the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city of Skopje for settling particular issues within the
competence of the councils of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city
of Skopje and for scheduling a referendum at local level (hereinafter: citizens’ initiative at local
level).
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 73.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 3:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 71:
The right to propose adoption of a law is given to every Representative of the Assembly, to the Government of the Republic and to a group of at least 10,000 voters. The initiative for adopting a law may be given to the authorized instances by any citizen, group of citizens, institutions or associations.
Law on Referendum:
Article 66 2
(1) Citizens’ initiative at state level shall be started on a proposal of 100 citizens.
(2) The citizens’ initiative at state level shall be conducted in regard to issues referred to in Article 3
paragraph (2) of this Law.
(3) The proposal for raising citizens’ initiative at state level shall be lodged by an authorized proposer
and it shall refer to an issue within the competence for deciding of the Assembly.
(4) An authorized proposer, in terms of paragraph (3) of this Article, shall be the first signatory of the
proposal for raising citizens’ initiative.
Article 67
(1) The proposal for raising citizens’ initiative at state level shall be submitted to the president of the
Assembly.
(2) When the president of the Assembly shall determine the initiative to be in accordance with
Article 66 of this Law, (s)he shall notify the authorized proposer for it within three days
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 71.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 66-68:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Article 28
(1) Referendum at state level cannot be scheduled for issues that refer to the Budget of the Republic
of Macedonia and the final account of the Budget, public expenditures, the reserves of the Republic
of Macedonia, the issues on elections, the appointments and the dismissals and amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 28:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: Constitution:
Article 73:
The decision made in a referendum is binding.
Law on Referendum:
Article 27
For the purpose of prior consultation with the citizens regarding issues of wider importance for the
Republic of Macedonia, referendum at state level may be scheduled for consulting the citizens
(referendum for consultation).
Article 29
(1) The decision for changing the border of the Republic of Macedonia and the decision for joining in
and joining out of an association or community with other states shall be adopted at referendum if
the majority of the total number of citizens registered in the Electoral list has voted them at the
referendum.
(2) The decision referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article adopted at referendum shall be
compulsory
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 73.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 27 and 29:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Constitution, Article 120: A proposal for association in a union or community with other states or for dissociation from a union or community with other states may be submitted by the President of the Republic, the Government or by at least 40 Representatives. The proposal for association in or dissociation from a union or community with other states is accepted by the Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision of association in or dissociation from a union or community is adopted if it is upheld in a referendum by the majority of the total number of voters in the Republic.
Law on Referendum:
Article 24
Referendum at state level may also be scheduled in case of a need of ratification of international
agreements and other issues within the competence of the Assembly (previous referendum) and
decisions adopted by the Assembly or for the purpose of citizens stating their opinion regarding
other issues the Assembly has already decided upon (additional referendum).
Article 3
(1) Citizens’ initiative shall be a form of direct vote of the citizens when deciding by raising initiatives
with the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the councils of the municipalities, the City of
Skopje and the municipalities in the city of Skopje.
(2) Citizens’ initiative may be started for submitting a proposal on amending the Constitution of the
Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: the Constitution), proposal on adopting law and initiation of a
referendum at state level (hereinafter: citizen’s initiative at state level).
(3) Citizens’ initiative may be started even for adopting particular regulation of the municipalities,
the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city of Skopje for settling particular issues within the
competence of the councils of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city
of Skopje and for scheduling a referendum at local level (hereinafter: citizens’ initiative at local
level)
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 120:
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 3 and 24:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/MK/links/law-on-referendum-and-civil-initiative
(2016)
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution:
Article 115:
In units of local self-government, citizens directly and through representatives participate in decision-making on issues of local relevance particularly in the fields of urban planning, communal activities, culture, sport, social security and child care, preschool education, primary education, basic health care and other fields determined by law.
Article 117: In the City of Skopje, citizens directly and through representatives participate in decision-making on issues of relevance for the City of Skopje particularly in the field of urban planning, communal activities, culture, sport, social security and child care, preschool education, primary education, basic health care and other fields determined by law.
Law on Referendum :
Article 82
(1) The gathering of citizens shall be called for the purpose of citizens stating their opinion on
particular issues being relevant to the local self-government and for the purpose of initiation of
initiatives regarding the settlement of issues with local importance.
(2) At the gathering the citizens shall consider issues, take stands and make proposals upon issues of
direct and everyday importance for the life and the work of the citizens in the municipality region
that is the local self-government
Source: Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 115 and 117.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 82-85:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations
Comments: Article 107: (1) The voting takes please in person at the polling stations in the Republic of Macedonia and in the DCO, i.e. consular offices.
Article 111: (1) The voter who is unable to vote at the polling station (incapacitated or ill person, pursuant to the Instruction of the State Election Commission) but wants to vote, shall notify the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje thereof no later than seven days prior to Election Day.
(4) The Election Board shall enable the person from paragraph (1) of this article to vote in his/her home, one day prior to Election Day in a manner that will guarantee the secrecy of the voting.
Article 113: (1) Voters who on Election Day are serving a prison sentence or are in detention or pre-
trial house arrest shall vote in the penitentiary institutions or in the place where of the pre-trial house arrest.
Article 113-a: (1) The voters who are temporarily employed or residing abroad on Election Day shall vote in the DCO, i.e. consular offices of the Republic of Macedonia abroad, one day prior to the Election Day in the Republic of Macedonia.
(2) Out of country voting will be conducted in the DCO or consular offices of the Republic of Macedonia abroad
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, articles 107 (1), 111 (1), 113 (1), 113-a (1-2): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: 113a(1) The voters who are temporarily employed or residing abroad on Election Day shall
vote at the DCOs or consular offices of the Republic of Macedonia abroad, one day
prior to the Election Day in the Republic of Macedonia.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 113-a: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments: Art. 113-a (1) The voters who are temporarily employed or residing abroad on Election Day shall vote in the DCO, i.e. consular offices of the Republic of Macedonia abroad, one day prior to the Election Day in the Republic of Macedonia.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article 113-a: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Article 110: The voter shall vote by circling the ordinal number of the list submitter i.e. the ordinal number of
the candidate who he/she has decided to cast the vote for and shall put the folded ballot into the
ballot box.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, article. 110: https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
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