Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: 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: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia as amended 2011, Art. 116: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
c . Number of registered voters
Comments: In the electoral districts in the Republic of Macedonia, the maximum deviation of the number of voters cannot be greater than -5% to +5% of the average number of voters per electoral district. (Art. 4(7))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 4:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
c . Changes in numbers of registered voters
Comments: In the electoral districts in the Republic of Macedonia, the maximum deviation of the number of voters cannot be greater than -5% to +5% of the average number of voters per electoral district. (Art. 4(7))
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 4:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
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. The organization and functioning of the Assembly are regulated by the Constitution and by the Rules of Procedure. (Art. 61)
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011) art. 61.
http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=239363 (2016)
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments: When establishing the election results, the D`Hondt’s formula shall be applied. (Art 96(4))
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 96(4): https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: In the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia 120 Members of Parliament are elected according to the proportional model, whereby the territory of the Republic of Macedonia is divided into 6 election districts determined by law, each of which shall elect 20 Members of Parliament. (Art. 2 (1))
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 2 (1): https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: No second chamber existent.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law does not contain any provision to reserve seats for specific purposes. However, the folowing rules have to be taken into consideration:
The Assembly establishes a Council for Inter-Ethnic Relations. The Council consists of the President of the Assembly and two members each from the ranks of the Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Vlachs and Romanies, as well as two members from the ranks of other nationalities in Macedonia. The President of the Assembly is President of the Council. The Assembly elects the members of the Council. The Council considers issues of inter-ethnic relations in the Republic and makes appraisals and proposals for their solution. The Assembly is obliged to take into consideration the appraisals and proposals of the Council and to make decisions regarding them. (Constitution, Art. 78)
In the proposed lists of candidates for election of Members of Parliament each sex shall be represented with at
least 30%. (Law on Parliamentary Elections, Art 37 (3))
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011) art. 78:
http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=239363 (2016)
Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 37 (3): https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: D'Hondt's formula is applied with no threshold requirements set by law.
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 96: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The Republic of North Macedonia has a unicameral parliament.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: In the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia 120 Members of Parliament are elected according to the proportional model, whereby the territory of the Republic of Macedonia is divided into 6 election districts determined by law, each of which shall elect 20 Members of Parliament.
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 2(1): https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) d . Other
Comments: Elections for Members of Parliament are held every fourth year, in the last 90 days of the mandate of the old Parliament composition or within 60 days of the day of dissolving the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: Parliament). (Art. 9 (1))
Early elections for Members of Parliament shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Law. (Art. 9 (2))
The Election Announcement Act shall be passed by the President of the Parliament and it shall specify the day on which the deadlines for performing election activities begin and the Election Day. (Art. 9 (4))
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 9: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The parliamment is unicameral.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: The Election Announcement Act shall be passed by the President of the Parliament and it shall specify the day on which the deadlines for performing election activities begin and the Election Day. (Art. 9 (4))
Source: Law on Election of Members of Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (LEMP), Art. 9: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/1112/file/83bf975af213a79ac697299021d5.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/15
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/15
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The latest Law on the Election of MPs was passed in June 2002.
Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia no 42/2002
Verified: 2020/04/16
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
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: It is not forbidden to hold national and local elections on the same day. Legislation provides for:
Elections for Members of Parliament shall be held each fourth year, in the last 90 days of the mandate of the outgoing Parliament, or within 60 days from the day of the dissolution of the Parliament. (Art. 15(1))
The elections of Members of Council and Mayor shall be held each fourth year simultaneously in all municipalities, in the first half of the month of October. (Art. 16 (1))
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 15, 16:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments: The President of the Republic is elected in general and direct elections, by secret ballot, for a term of five years. (Constitution, Art. 80)
Elections for Members of Parliament shall be held each fourth year, in the last 90 days of the mandate of the outgoing Parliament, or within 60 days from the day of the dissolution of the Parliament. (Art. 15(1))
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011)
http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=239363 (2016)
Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 15:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature e . Electoral Management Body
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. (Art. 26(4))
The presidents of the Municipal Election Commissions i.e. Election Commission of the City of Skopje and their deputies, four members and their deputies shall be randomly selected from among the employees in the state administration, municipal administration and the administration of the City of Skopje who have completed higher education for a five-year period. (Art. 34(4))
The State Election Commission shall establish the Municipal Election Commissions or the Election Commission of the City of Skopje within 5 days from the day of receiving the data from Article 32 of this Code. The decisions for the establishing of the Municipal Election Commissions or the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall be published in the “Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia”. (Art. 35(1))
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 26, 34, 35:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments: Art. 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.
Art. 148: (1)Each submitter of a list of candidates in the procedure for voting, tabulating and determining the results has the right to submit a complaint to the State Election Commission.
Art. 149: (1) Every voter whose individual voting right has been violated in the election procedure may submit a complaint to the State Election Commission within 24 hours.
Art. 149a: (1)Any voter whose individual voting right has been violated at any stage of the electoral process may submit a complaint to the State Election Commission within 24 hours.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 147, 148, 149, 149a:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: Art. 147: (7)The decisions of the Administrative Court are final, cannot be appealed and no other legal remedy can be used against them, except in cases prescribed by this Code.
Art. 148: (5) The submitter can appeal the decision of the State Election Commission to the Administrative Court within 48 hours from the receipt of the decision.
See also Art. 149 (4) and Art. 149a (4).
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 147, 148, 149, 149a:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/16
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: 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.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011)
http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=239363 (2016)
Verified: 2020/04/16
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 31 (2) The State Election Commission shall: (…) 25) submit a report to the Parliament on the administered elections within 45 days of the date of the announcement of the final results of the elections at the level of the municipality, the City of Skopje or the electoral district where the elections are administered and a financial overview and shall publish it on its website;
28-g) The State Election Commission shall adopt a Rulebook on the Methodology for Maintaining and Updating the Voter Register based on checks and statistical analyses, cross-checks of various data-bases and records, unlimited field checks and other appropriate acknowledged verification methods. The State Election Commission shall adopt the Rulebook from item 28-е upon previous approval of the four largest political parties in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.
28-h) The State Election Commission shall adopt a Rulebook on the Methodology on Full Access, Amendment and Deletion of Data in the Voter Register, as well as a procedure for conducting field checks for the purposes of updating the Voter Register. The State Election Commission shall adopt the Rulebook from item 28-h upon previous approval of the four largest political parties in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.
Извештаите од работата на ДИК се доставуваат до Собранието на РМ (надлежните органи) и во најкус можен рок се објавуваат на интернет страницата. - The reports from the work of the SEC are submitted to the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia (the competent authorities) and are published on the website as soon as possible. (Website of the Central Election Commission)
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 31 (2).
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Central Election Commission: https://www.sec.mk/principi-na-rabota-na-dik/
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
b . Legislative appointment
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))
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 26,
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings g . Internet
Comments: I Neutral information:
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.
Electoral Code, Art. 31 (2) The State Election Commission shall: (…)(28) publish the descriptions of the polling stations in the daily press;
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
II Campaigning: Electoral Code, Art. 69-a: (1) An election campaign is understood as a public gathering and other public events organised by the election campaign participant, public display of posters, video presentations in public places, electoral media and internet presentation, dissemination of printed materials and public presentation of confirmed candidates and their programmes by the relevant election management bodies.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 13, 31, 49, 69-a:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
j . Other
Comments: No information available.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/17
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled d . Ethnic minorities
Comments: Positively, the SEC placed voter education videos on its social media platforms in the Macedonian and Albanian languages, supported by sign language interpretation, and sometimes with subtitles in the Romani, Serbian, Turkish or Vlach languages. Voter education was also carried out in the broadcast media and included information on voters’ rights, voting procedures, and electoral offences. Despite these efforts, the visibility of voter education was limited.(OSCE Report: INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION Republic of North Macedonia, Presidential Election, 21 April 2019)
Source: OSCE Report: INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION Republic of North Macedonia, Presidential Election, 21 April 2019: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia/417818?download=true
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
d . Mental disability
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))
Citizens whose capacity to contract has been revoked with a final court decision shall not be registered in the Voter Register. (Electoral Code, Art. 41(6))
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 6, 41:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 5: (1) The Voter Register is a public document and it is maintained for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia. (2) The Voter Register shall serve as a basis for conducting the elections and referendum in the Republic of Macedonia, both at the national and local level.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 5:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Electoral Code, Article 31: (2) The State Election Commission shall: (…)
28-d) The State Election Commission shall publish the Voter Registry on its website, with data on the name, surname and address of voters. Every citizen has the right to submit a request to the State Election Commission to prevent the publication of his/her address in the Voter Register for security reasons.
28-e) The State Election Commission shall update the Voter Register once a month, based on citizens’ notifications of change of data. Every 6 months, the State Election Commission shall publicly encourage citizens to check their data and, if necessary, request change of their data.
28-f) For the purposes of detecting inconsistencies or verifying the credibility of data in the Voter Register, each member of the State Election Commission has the right to request from the State Election Commission to authorize the Legal Department to check the archives of biometric documents at the Ministry of Interior, as well as other state bodies and institutions’ data bases and archives, under a procedure prescribed by a law or a bylaw, and to receive a written notification from them on the conducted checks within 5 working days.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 31:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records b . Links to police records of residence e . Appearance by voter at registration office g . Data matching with other agencies information j . Other
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 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.
Electoral Code, Art. 31: (2) 28-e) The State Election Commission shall update the Voter Register once a month, based on citizens’ notifications of change of data. Every 6 months, the State Election Commission shall publicly encourage citizens to check their data and, if necessary, request change of their data.
28-f) For the purposes of detecting inconsistencies or verifying the credibility of data in the Voter Register, each member of the State Election Commission has the right to request from the State Election Commission to authorize the Legal Department to check the archives of biometric documents at the Ministry of Interior, as well as other state bodies and institutions’ data bases and archives, under a procedure prescribed by a law or a bylaw, and to receive a written notification from them on the conducted checks within 5 working days.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 31, 42:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source: Macedonian Constitution, articles 61 and 62.
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source: Macedonian Constitution articles 61 and 62.
Verified: 2020/04/17
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration j . Other
Comments: Constitution, Art. 80:
The President of the Republic is elected in general and direct elections, by secret ballot, for a term of five years. A person may be elected President of the Republic two times at most. The President of the Republic shall be a citizen of the Republic of Macedonia. A person may be elected President of the Republic if over the age of at least 40 on the day of election. A person may not be elected President of the Republic if, on the day of election, he/she has not been a resident of the Republic of Macedonia for at least ten years within the last fifteen years.
Constitution, Art. 81 (excerpt): A candidate for President of the Republic can be nominated by a minimum of 10,000 voters or at least 30 Representatives. (…)
Electoral Code, Art. 59:
(1)A list of a candidate for President of the Republic may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters or at least 30 Members of Parliament.
(2)In cases when a group of voters appears as a list submitter for a candidate for the election of President of the Republic, a minimum of 10,000 signatures of voters registered in the Voter Register need to be collected.
(3)In cases when a group of Members of Parliament appears as a list submitter for a candidate for the election of President of the Republic, a minimum of 30 signatures of Members of Parliament need to be collected.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 80, 81: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Electoral Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 59:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration k . Mental health problems
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 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 theelection 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, andis serving a sentence of imprisonment for committing a criminal offence.
Electoral Code, Art. 152:
(1) The term of office of a Member of Parliament shall terminate before the expiry of the period for which he/she has been elected if:he/she resigns;he/she is sentenced for a criminal offence for which a prison sentence of at least five years is prescribed;there is incompatibility with the office of Member of Parliament;he/she dies;he/she loses capacity to contract by an effective decision.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 7, 152:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
g . Holding of government office n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) p . Other
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 7:
(1) Any person who meets the requirements for the election of the President of the Republic prescribed in the Constitution may stand as candidate for President of the Republic.
Constitution, Art. 80:
The President of the Republic is elected in general and direct elections, by secret ballot, for a term of five years. A person may be elected President of the Republic two times at most. The President of the Republic shall be a citizen of the Republic of Macedonia. A person may be elected President of the Republic if over the age of at least 40 on the day of election. A person may not be elected President of the Republic if, on the day of election, he/she has not been a resident of the Republic of Macedonia for at least ten years within the last fifteen years.
Constitution, Art. 83 (excerpt): The duty of the President of the Republic is incompatible with the performance of any other public office, profession or appointment in a political party.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 80, 83: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Electoral Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 7:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: Electoral Code, 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.
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.
(2)When the list submitter is a group of voters from the electoral districts for out-of-country voting, at least 1,000 signatures need to be collected from the voters registered in the Voter Lists for these elections districts, in front of the officials at the DCOs or consular offices, using a template prescribed by the State Elections Commission.
Electoral Code, Art. 65:
(4) When a group of voters act as a submitter of a list of candidate or candidates, the required number of signatures prescribed in Article61 i.e.Article62 of this Code must be submitted as well.
(5) For each nomination, the candidate needs to submit a written, irrevocable consent (statement).
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 60, 61, 65:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source: Macedonian Constitution articles 61 and 62.
Verified: 2020/04/17
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: Article 81 (1): A candidate for President of the Republic can be nominated by a minimum of 10,000 voters or at least 30 members of the Parliament.
Electoral Code, Art. 59:
(1)A list of a candidate for President of the Republic may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters or at least 30 Members of Parliament.
(2)In cases when a group of voters appears as a list submitter for a candidate for the election of President of the Republic, a minimum of 10,000 signatures of voters registered in the Voter Register need to be collected.
(3)In cases when a group of Members of Parliament appears as a list submitter for a candidate for the election of President of the Republic, a minimum of 30 signatures of Members of Parliament need to be collected.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 81: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 59:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/17
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
b . Between elections
Comments: Law on Financing of Political Parties, Art. 9: The total funds for annual financing of the political parties shall amount to 0,06% of the total source incomes of the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia. The funds referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be planned in their determined amount in the Budget of the Ministry of Justice for every fiscal year. The political parties may use the funds referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article solely for achieving their aims defined by law, statute and other acts of the party.
Electoral Code, Art. 83 (1): The election campaign may not be financed from:funds from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia (…)
Source: Law on Financing Political Parties (consolidated text) "Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.
76/2004; 86/2008, 161/2008, 96/2009, 148/2011 and _2012. Decision of the Constitutional Court
of the Republic of Macedonia U.no. 36/2006 dated 08 March 2006 published in the "Official
Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.36/2006: https://www.legislationline.org/legislation/country/31/section/legislation/topic/16
Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 83:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 75 (2): Regardless of the language in which they broadcast the program, during the election campaign, broadcasters are required to provide the election campaign participants with equal conditions for access to all forms of electoral media presentation –news, special informative programs (interviews, debates, TV/radio hustings, topical information programs, topical information programs with documentary approach and thematic specialized informative programs), free political presentation and paid political advertising.
Electoral Code, Art. 75 (4): Broadcasters, printed media and electronic media (internet portals), as well as their related persons must not,in any way, finance or give donations to political parties. Related persons shall be understood as defined in Article 36 of the Law on Audio and Audio Visual Media Services.
Electoral Code, Art. 76-e (3): The State Election Commission shall reimburse the expenditures for the paid political advertising based on an invoice submitted by broadcasters, printed media and electronic media (portals). A Media Plan and a Report on Services Procured shall be attached to the invoice and in addition to broadcasters, printed media and electronic media, they shall also be confirmed by the election campaign participant.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 75, 76-e:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
a . General party administration b . Election campaign activities
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 76-e (1): For the fulfilment of the legal obligations of broadcasters, printed media and electronic media (portals) in the sphere of paid political advertising, funds shall be provided from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia.
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 3: The political parties shall be non-profit organizations. The political parties may acquire funds for its operation and activity under the conditions and in the manner defined by this Law.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (IFES - consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 76-e:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Law on Financing Political Parties (consolidated text) "Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.
76/2004; 86/2008, 161/2008, 96/2009, 148/2011 and _2012). Decision of the Constitutional Court
of the Republic of Macedonia U.no. 36/2006 dated 08 March 2006 published in the "Official
Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.36/2006.
https://www.legislationline.org/legislation/country/31/section/legislation/topic/16
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
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 (consolidated text)
"Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.
76/2004; 86/2008, 161/2008, 96/2009 and 148/2011). Decision of the Constitutional Court
of the Republic of Macedonia U.no. 36/2006 dated 08 March 2006 published in the "Official
Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.36/2006.
https://www.legislationline.org/legislation/country/31/section/legislation/topic/16
Electoral Code of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 83 (2-3)
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources e . Ceilings on party election expenses f . Electronic reporting of party expenses g . Electronic reporting of party contributions received h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 4:
The financing of the political parties shall be public and transparent. The financing of the political parties shall be performed transparently, the citizens and the competent body for control of the financial and material operations having a complete insight there of. The sources of financing the political parties, as well as their expenditures, shall be public and transparent and shall be subject to control of the state bodies competent for financial and material operation. 2Any citizen or member of the political party shall be entitled to equal access to the insight into the financing of the political party. Any citizen or member of the political party shall be entitled to prevent or report a procedure that constitutes an abuse or infringement of this Law.
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 17 (excerpt): The political parties shall regularly (every six months) publish on their website the Registry of Donations for the last 6 months, not later than 15 days before expiry of the 6-month period, or shall otherwise make it available to the public.
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 20 (excerpt): The political parties can not be financed by:-governments, international institutions, bodies and organizations of foreign states and other foreign persons,(…)
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 23 (excerpt): The incomes and expenses of the political party shall be public.
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 25 (excerpt): The political party shall prepare a report on the received donations.
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 26 (excerpt): The political parties, in accordance with the legal regulations, shall submit the annual balance sheet for the financial operation to: the Public Revenue Office, the Central Register and the State Audit Office, and shall be obliged to announce them on their web sites.
Electoral Code, Art. 84: When financing the election campaign, the election campaign participant may spend no more than 110 Denars per voter registered in the electoral district or the municipality for which the list of candidate/s has been submitted, both for the first and the second round of voting.
Source: Law on Financing Political Parties (consolidated text)
"Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.
76/2004; 86/2008, 161/2008, 96/2009, 148/2011 and _2012). Decision of the Constitutional Court
of the Republic of Macedonia U.no. 36/2006 dated 08 March 2006 published in the "Official
Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.36/2006.
https://www.legislationline.org/legislation/country/31/section/legislation/topic/16
Electoral Code of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 84
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure c . Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses f . Electronic reporting of candidate expenses g . Electronic reporting of candidate contributions received h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 71 (1): For the purpose of collecting funds for election campaign financing, the political party, coalition, the head of the independent list of a group of voters or the persons who plan to run for candidate sare all obliged to obtain from the competent authority a unique tax number designated “for election campaign” and to open a bank account designated “for election campaign”, which may not be used for any other purpose. (…) (6) All funds transferred by legal entities or private persons for financing the election campaign shall be deposited on the bank account from paragraph (1) of this article. The donations for financing the election campaigns may only be transferred to the bank account from paragraph (1) of this article, not later than the deadline determined for submitting the financial report for financing the election campaign prescribed in Article 85, paragraph (1) of this Code.
Electoral Code, Art. 84: When financing the election campaign, the election campaign participant may spend no more than 110 Denars per voter registered in the electoral district or the municipality for which the list of candidate/s has been submitted, both for the first and the second round of voting.
Electoral Code, Art. 85 (1): The election campaign participant shall submit a complete financial report on the election campaign immediately, or not later than 30 days from the day of closure of the bank account from Article 71, paragraph (10). (3)The financial report shall be submitted to the State Election Commission, State Audit Office, State Commission for Preventing Corruption and the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, and for the local elections also to the Municipal Council and the Council of the City of Skopje. (4) The financial report from paragraph (3)of this article shall be published by State Election Commission, State Audit Office and the State Commission for Preventing Corruption on their websites.
Source: Electoral Code of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 71, 84, 85
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management body d . Other
Comments: I Between elections:
Law on Financing Political Parties, Art. 25:
(3) The political party shall submit the report referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article at the latest by 31 March for the previous year, together with the annual financial statement referred to in Article 27 of this Law, to the State Audit Office.
(4) The political party shall submit the report referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article at the latest by 31 March for the previous year, to the Public Revenue Office.
(5) The State Audit Office and the Public Revenue Office shall be obliged to publish the obtained reports on their web sites.
II Related to election campaign:
Electoral Code, Art. 85:
(3) The financial report shall be submitted to the State Election Commission, State Audit Office, State Commission for Preventing Corruption and the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, and for the local elections also to the Municipal Council and the Council of the City of Skopje.
(4) The financial report from paragraph (3)of this article shall be published by State Election Commission, State Audit Office and the State Commission for Preventing Corruption on their websites
Source: I:
Law on Financing Political Parties (consolidated text)
"Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.
76/2004; 86/2008, 161/2008, 96/2009, 148/2011 and _2012). Decision of the Constitutional Court
of the Republic of Macedonia U.no. 36/2006 dated 08 March 2006 published in the "Official
Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia" no.36/2006.
https://www.legislationline.org/legislation/country/31/section/legislation/topic/16
II:
Electoral Code of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 85
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide l . No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official q . Multilingual
Comments: Article 31:
(2) The SEC shall: (…) 5. confirm and publish the lists of candidates for the election of President and Members of Parliament and determine their order on the ballot by drawing lots; 5-a determine the order on the single list of candidates for members of councilor for mayor by drawing lots.
Article 93:
(1)The ballot shall be printed in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet.(2)The name of the list submitter, the name and the surname of the candidate or the head of the list shall be written in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet. (3)For the members of other communities, the name of the list submitter and the name and surname of the candidate or the head of the list shall be written in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet and in the language and the alphabet of the community to which they belong. (4)In the municipalities where at least 20% of the citizens speak an official language other than Macedonian, in addition to the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet, the ballots for the elections shall also be printed in the official language and alphabet used by citizens in that municipality.
Article 94:
(1)If there are list submitters or heads of lists with the same name and surname, then the initial letter of their middle name shall also be written.(2)On the ballot, the candidates or list submitters shall be presented in the same order as in the single list of candidates. (3)The ballot shall consist of a part used for voting and a part that shall remain on the ballot stub.Article 109:(1)Voting shall be conducted using one ballot for each type of electionsdetermined by this Code.(2)The ballot shall be removed from the stub of the bookletin a consecutive order, a stamp shall be put on the front side of the ballot and it shall be given to the voter.(3)The voter shall be instructed onthe manner of voting and shall be allowed to vote.(4)The voter shall cast his/hervote concurrently when there are two or more elections ora referendum.
Ballots are automatically authenticated by their serial number, see Electoral Code Art. 95-98.
Article 110:
The voter shall vote by circling the ordinal number of the list submitter i.e. the ordinal number of the candidate whohe/she has decided to cast the vote for andshallput the folded ballot intothe ballot box.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019):
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: The parliament is unicameral.
Source: Macedoninan Constitution, articles 61 and 62.
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide l . No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials q . Multilingual
Comments: Article 31:
(2) The SEC shall: (…) 5. confirm and publish the lists of candidates for the election of President and Members of Parliament and determine their order on the ballot by drawing lots; 5-a determine the order on the single list of candidates for members of councilor for mayor by drawing lots.
Article 93:
(1)The ballot shall be printed in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet.(2)The name of the list submitter, the name and the surname of the candidate or the head of the list shall be written in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet. (3)For the members of other communities, the name of the list submitter and the name and surname of the candidate or the head of the list shall be written in the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet and in the language and the alphabet of the community to which they belong. (4)In the municipalities where at least 20% of the citizens speak an official language other than Macedonian, in addition to the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet, the ballots for the elections shall also be printed in the official language and alphabet used by citizens in that municipality.
Article 94:
(1)If there are list submitters or heads of lists with the same name and surname, then the initial letter of their middle name shall also be written.(2)On the ballot, the candidates or list submitters shall be presented in the same order as in the single list of candidates. (3)The ballot shall consist of a part used for voting and a part that shall remain on the ballot stub.
Article 109:
(1)Voting shall be conducted using one ballot for each type of electionsdetermined by this Code.(2)The ballot shall be removed from the stub of the bookletin a consecutive order, a stamp shall be put on the front side of the ballot and it shall be given to the voter.(3)The voter shall be instructed onthe manner of voting and shall be allowed to vote.(4)The voter shall cast his/hervote concurrently when there are two or more elections ora referendum.
Ballots are automatically authenticated by their serial number, see Electoral Code Art. 95-98.
Article 95
(1)The part of the ballot used for voting in the election for President of the Republic shall contain:headline of the ballot, municipality and number of the polling station for voting in the Republic of Macedonia;headline of the ballot, the location of the DCO or consular offices for the out-of-country voting;ordinal number, name and symbol of the list submitter(if any); and name and surname of the candidates, according to data from the public registry.
(2)The part of the ballot that remains on the ballot stub shall contain the serial number of the ballot, the municipality or the seat of the DCO or consular offices and the number of the polling station.
(3)The headline of the ballot shall contain the flag of the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 110:
The voter shall vote by circling the ordinal number of the list submitter i.e. the ordinal number of the candidate whohe/she has decided to cast the vote for andshallput the folded ballot intothe ballot box.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019):
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
a . Separate ballots for different elections c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand m . Sorted by party list p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count q . Copies of results are provided to observers r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results s . Copies of results are provided to party agents
Comments: Electoral Code, Article 114:
The results of the voting at polling stationsshall be tabulatedand determined in the following manner:
- the unused ballotsshall be counted, and after the counting, first the bottom right-hand corner shall be torn off and then they shall be put in a special envelope which shall be closed, sealed and the number of the polling station and the number of the unused ballots shall be written on it;
- the total number of voters registered in the Voter Listwho have cast their vote and countersigned the Voter List or have deposited their fingerprint shall be determined;
- the ballot box shall be opened and the counting of votes shall begin;
- by drawing lots,one member shallbe selected to take out and open the ballots from the ballot box one at a time and hand them over to the president of the ElectionBoard;
- the ballot shall beshown to all Election Board members, to the present representatives of the lists submitters and to the observers;
- the Election Board shall determine whether the ballot is valid or not and for which list of candidates i.e. candidate the vote has been cast;
- the cast vote shall be recorded, the ballot shall be put in the corresponding place and a new ballot shall be taken out of the ballot box.
Electoral Code, Article 116:
(1)The Election Board shall enter the following information in the protocol: the ordinal number of the polling place, the number of the decision for establishing the Election Board, the time of beginning and concluding the voting; the total number of voters in the polling station according to the Voter List; the total number of voters who have voted; the total number of ill and incapacitated persons who have voted; the total number of ballots put in the ballot box; the total number of ballots that have not been used; the total number of invalid ballots and the total number of votes won by each list of candidates separately.
Article 118
(1)The protocols and the other election material shall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje by the Election Board within 5hoursafter the voting is completed.
(2)A copy of the protocols duplicated as a carbon copy shall be given to every representative of the list submitter and the accredited observers. The original sample that has previously been verified with a seal by the State Election Commission shall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje.
(3)Upon the completion of the activities prescribed in paragraphs (1)and (2)of this article, the Election Board shall immediately announce and publish the tabulated results from the voting conducted at the polling place.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 114, 116, 118:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level
Comments: Article 118
(1)The protocolsand the otherelection materialshall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje by the Election Board within 5hoursafter the voting is completed.
(2)A copy of the protocols duplicated as a carbon copy shall be given to every representative of the list submitter and the accredited observers. The original sample that has previously been verified with a seal by the State Election Commission shall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commissioni.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 118:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments: Article 127
(1)The State Election Commission shall tabulate and determine the overall results of the voting in the electoral districts. (2)The State Election Commission shall determine the voting results based on the result tabulated result protocols of the Municipal Election Commissions and the entire election material.(3)The State Election Commission shall determine the results for each individual electoral district separately, according to the total number of won by the individual lists of candidates, based on the aggregated results of the Municipal Election Commission for the polling places in the electoral district for which it is competent. (4)Election results shall be determined by applying the d`Hondt method.(5)Having determined the total number of votes cast for that number of candidates in the electoral district (so-called electorate), each list shall be separately divided by the line of divisors1, 2, 3, 4, etc. until all seats in the electoral district are allocated by applying this principle.(6)The quotients of the division, referred to in paragraph(5)of this article shall be ordered by size and the number of largest quotients to be considered relevant will be the same as the number of Members of Parliament being elected in the electoral district.(7)A list of candidates shall obtain as many parliamentary seats as there are largest quotients out of the number of quotients referred to in paragraph(6)of this article.(8)Should there be two identical quotients when distributing the last seat in the Parliament, the mandate shall be allocated by drawing lots.(9)When allocating the parliamentary seats, the number of candidates elected shall correspond to the number of seats won by the list.(10)Candidates shall be elected from the list of candidates,according to the established sequence
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 127:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments: Article 118
(1)The protocols and the other election materials hall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje by the Election Board within 5 hours after the voting is completed.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 118:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots c . Counterfoils of used ballots d . Voter rolls f . Certificate of result g . Ballot boxes h . Other
Comments: Article 118
(1)The protocols and the other election materials hall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje by the Election Board within 5 hours after the voting is completed.
Article 89
The election material for administering the elections shall consist of:ballot boxes and polling booths;protocol templates and a logbook for the work of the Election Boards;ballot booklet, in accordance with the Voter Lists;lists of candidates; signed Voter Lists;devices for marking of persons who have voted (spray and UV lamp);graphite pad;seals;voting guidelines; and other materials necessary for voting.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 89, 118:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
e . Accompanied by election officials f . Accompanied by party representatives h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 118 (4) The election material shall be submitted to the Municipal Election Commission i.e. Election Commission of the City of Skopje by the president of the Election Board escorted by any interested Election Board members or representatives of the lists submitters and representatives of the police, if deemed necessary.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 118:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: No specific provision for recounting set in legislation.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No specific provision for recounting set in legislation.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments: No specific provision for recounting set in legislation.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: By State Election Commission:
Article 135 (excerpt)
(1) The State Election Commission shall announce the initial election results consecutively, as they receive them electronically; the results based on the protocols of the Municipal Election Commissions or the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall be announced within 12 hours after the elections are completed.
By Municipal Election Commission:
Article 136 (excerpt)
(1) Within 7 hours after the voting is completed, the Municipal Election Commission shall announce the initial results of the elections for Members of Council i.e. Mayor based on the data from the Election Boards by displaying the results on a bulletin board in the municipality and announcing them to the media.(
2) Within 10 hours after the voting is completed, the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall announce the initial results of the elections for Members of Council i.e. Mayor, based on the data from Municipal Election Commissions for the City of Skopje, by displaying them on a bulletin board in the City of Skopje and announcing them to the media.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 135:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 135(2) The State Election Commission shall announce the final election results immediately, or not later than 24 hours from the day they become final.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 135:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: Art. 135 (2)The State Election Commissionshall announce the finalelectionresults immediately,or not laterthan 24 hours from the day they become final.
Art. 136 (3) The Municipal Election Commissions i.e. the Election Commission of the City of Skopje shall announce the final results of the elections for Members of Council and Mayor immediately and not later than 24 hours from the day they become final.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 135, 136:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The public publisher Nova Makeonije will be sold through a public tender
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Cia book of facts
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
a . Public radio c . Private radio d . Public television f . Private television g . Print media
Comments:
Source: Willemsen, Das politische System Makedoniens, In Ismayr, Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 796 et seq.
Trpevska, Macedonia, In: Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism
Freedom House
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
a . Government
Comments: Broadcasting trade companies receive the concession for performing the broadcasting activity from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia upon the proposal from the Broadcasting Council.
The Media Task Force of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe has put Macedonia among the countries needing the most change in media legislation. A 2003 survey by the task force found that, among other problems, the process of issuing licenses and frequencies to electronic media is not transparent, the public broadcaster does not enjoy editorial independence, and the Broadcasting Council (a regulatory body) has only nominal independence.
Source: Art 13 Broadcasting Law
Verified: 2005/05/26
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies d . Foreigners e . Government departments f . State owned companies
Comments: A concession can be awarded to a domestic or foreign legal or natural person (concessionaire) in accordance with the concession act.
Source: Art 2 Concession Law
Art 9 et seq. Broadcasting law
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: N.A.
Imprisonment is not practiced, however, some milder forms of threating journalists are more common.
Source: Freedom House
Verified: 2005/05/26
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Art 47 et seq Law on election of MP:s.
Verified: 2005/05/26
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body) d . Legislature g . EMB by law or regulations
Comments: The Legislature sets the main rules, the legal framework by passing the Electoral Code, and the decision on the rules for equal media presentation is reached by the Parliament, upon a proposal by the Broadcasting Council.
Statutory Regulator: Broadcasting Council
The State Election Council is has also some responsibilities
Source: Art 47 et seq. Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: The EMB takes part in voter education, and setting the framework and rules of voter education.
Source: Art 54 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The Broadcasting Council is obliged to follow the programs of the electronic media in the Republic of Macedonia for the duration of the election silence
and on Election Day.
Source: Art 48 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: The EMB has no authority in case of breaching the media coverage rules
Source: Art 47 et seq Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: General rules of reply are applicable
Source: ACEEEO questionnaire Media and Elections
Art 62 and 63 Broadcasting law
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal prosecution b . Administrative sanction c . Other (specify)
Comments: Both civil, administrative and criminal responsibility is possible depending on the kind and severeness of breaking the law.
Defamation is sanctioned by Criminal Code; however there are some grounds to justify even a defamatory speech.
Some forms of unlawful statements are sanctioned by administrative fees, as well.
The Telecommunication Office reaches a decision for closing the radio station of the holder who committed the breaking of campaign silence.
Source: Freedom House
Criminal Code art. 172 et seq
Broadcasting law art 85, 86
Law on election of MP's Art 48
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: ACEEEO questionnaire on Media and Elections, Macedonia
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME032
Question: If so, how well do you perceive this code of ethics to be respected?
Answer(s):
b . Usually respected
Comments: There are critical voices charging the jouralists of being opportunist and taking less care of ethical standards
Source: ACEEEO questionnaire Media and Elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: The decision on the rules for equal media presentation shall be reached by the Parliament, upon a proposal by the Broadcasting Council.
Source: Art 51 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 30 June - 3 July 2004 Warsaw 20 July 2004
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 30 June - 3 July 2004 Warsaw 20 July 2004
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: Not regulated by the law.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/23
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
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 30 June - 3 July 2004 Warsaw 20 July 2004
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 30 June - 3 July 2004 Warsaw 20 July 2004
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: The presentation of candidates in printed media is not ruled by law.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on elections of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The media in the Republic of Macedonia are obliged to provide under equal conditions equal access on their programs in the presentations of the election programs of the candidates for Members of Parliament, political parties and groups of voters.
Source: Art 51 Law on election of MP'S
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: The media in the Republic of Macedonia are obliged to provide under equal conditions equal access on their programs in the presentations of the election programs of the candidates for Members of Parliament, political parties and groups of voters.
Source: Art 51 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments: The media in the Republic of Macedonia are obliged to provide under
equal conditions equal access on their programs in the presentations of the election programs of the candidates for Members of Parliament, political parties and groups of voters.
Source: Atr 51 law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The media in the Republic of Macedonia are obliged to provide under equal conditions equal access on their programs in the presentations of the election programs of the candidates for Members of Parliament, political parties and groups of
voters.
Source: atr 51 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: law on parliamentary elections and Art 2 Law on presidential elctions
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: law on parliamentary elections and Art 2 Law on presidential elctions
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on election of Mp's and art 2 law on presidential elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on election of Mp's and art 2 law on presidential elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on election of Mp's and art 2 law on presidential elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on election of Mp's and art 2 law on presidential elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Art 51 Law on election of Mp's and art 2 law on presidential elections
Verified: 2005/03/23
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
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample f . Other
Comments: When public opinion polls on candidates, political parties and groups of
voters in the election campaigns are announced, the name of the institution or head of
the institution that organized the survey, the date, methodology, size and structure of
the sample, and the name of the person who commissioned the polls, shall be given.
Source: Art 52 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
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
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
b . Outside the polling station
Comments:
Source: Art 52 Law on election of MP's
INSTRUCTION
Concerning the application of Article 52 (3) of the Law on Election of MPs
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Art 52 law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Art 52 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/23
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Not excluded by the law
Source: Electoral code
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME067
Question: What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: INFORMATION BUREAU
WITH PRESS CENTER
Source: www.izbori.gov.mk
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The person responsible at last elections Zoran Tanevski, is Editor at MAKEDONSKA RADIOTELEVIZIJA, and so a well trained journailst.
Source: www.izbori.gov.mk
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
a . Media packs/press kits b . Press releases c . Press conferences/briefings d . Pre-recorded radio or TV slots e . Web site g . Other (specify)
Comments: postcard, flyer, posters
Source: www.izbori.gov.mk
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATIO N M I S SION
13 MARCH 2005
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIAC
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME071
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Article 54
The media, whose founder is the Parliament, in cooperation with the State
Election Commission have an obligation without compensation to inform the citizens
of the way and technique of voting.
Source: Art 54 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME072
Question: Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Article 54
The media, whose founder is the Parliament, in cooperation with the State
Election Commission have an obligation without compensation to inform the citizens
of the way and technique of voting.
Source: Article 54 law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME073
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Article 54
The media, whose founder is the Parliament, in cooperation with the State
Election Commission have an obligation without compensation to inform the citizens
of the way and technique of voting.
Source: Art 54 Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME074
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: Not excluded by law, however not widespread technic
Source: Law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME075
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: not excluded by the law
Source: law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME076
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: Not excluded by law
Source: law on election of MP's
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
e . None of the above
Comments: lack of permanent secretariat mostly hinders of effective work of EMB
Source: INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATIO N M I S SION
13 MARCH 2005
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
a . Insufficient staff with responsibility for media relations
Comments: the failure to establish a permanent secretariat, envisaged by the law, and the lack of staff, appropriate office
space and equipment seriously hindered the normal work and the efficiency of the SEC.
Source: INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATIO N M I S SION
13 MARCH 2005
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Verified: 2005/03/24
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
b . Quite effective
Comments: via substatial international assistance
Source: INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATIO N M I S SION
13 MARCH 2005
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Verified: 2005/03/24
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
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011)
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
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 4:
Referendum may be announced for passing laws, need of ratification of international agreements and other issues that are competence of the Assembly (previous).
Article 5:
Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Article 6:
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.
Article 8:
Referendum may be announced also in the units of the local self-government for issues that have local significance and which are under the authority of the units of the local self-government.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011), art. 73
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 4-6, 8
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
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:
Article 9:
Civil initiative is raised for submitting a proposal for changing the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, for proposing for passing a law and for passing decisions and other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Civil initiative may be raised for announcing referendum, for expressing the opinion of the citizens upon certain issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011), art. 73
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 9
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
b . Ban on payment per signature c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 66:
Initiative for collecting signatures for proposing, for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, proposing of passing a law, as well as reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, may be raised by 100 voters, a registered political party or an association of citizens.
The president of the Assembly shall be informed about the initiative.
The deadline for collecting signatures for submitting a proposal for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia shall be six moths following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
The deadline for collecting signatures for proposing of passing a law and reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly shall be three months following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
Criminal Code, Article 162: (1) Whosoever offers, gives or promises a present or some other benefit to a person with voting right, with the intention to attract this person to perform, not to perform or how to perform the voting right, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of at least five years.
Source: Criminal Code of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 162: https://vlada.mk/sites/default/files/dokumenti/zakoni/criminal_code.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 66
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Article 7
Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: The way of checking the signatures is not regulated by the law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: The way of checking the signatures is not regulated by the law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: No recall is possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 35
The State Election Commission during the conduct of the referendum:
- Sees to the legitimacy in the preparation and conduct of the referendum;
- Coordinates the work and gives instructions to the electoral commissions;
- Prescribes the forms for the conduct of this law;
- Determines the unique standards for the conditions for conduct of the referendum;
- Determines and announces the result of the referendum and
- Performs other works.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 35
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 28:
The referendum shall be announced by the Assembly with the decision.
The referendum shall be announced for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Law on Referendum, Article 29:
The decision for announcing a referendum shall establish the following: the type of referendum, the decision for which it will be decided, the text of the question that will be put on referendum, the day of announcing the referendum and the day of its holding.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 28, 29:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Registered electors f . Other (specify)
Comments: Presumably the group of voters that initiated the citizen's initiative and collection of signatures.
Law on Referendum, Article 66:
Initiative for collecting signatures for proposing, for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, proposing of passing a law, as well as reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, may be raised by 100 voters, a registered political party or an association of citizens.
The president of the Assembly shall be informed about the initiative.
The deadline for collecting signatures for submitting a proposal for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia shall be six moths following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
The deadline for collecting signatures for proposing of passing a law and reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly shall be three months following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 66:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Article 7
Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets b . Leaflets and pamphlets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements f . Website g . Other(specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 32: The decision for announcing a referendum shall be announced in the media no later than 15 days before the day of holding the referendum. The text of the decision upon which it will be decided on the referendum shall also be announced in the media.
Law on Referendum, Article 33: The citizens shall be informed about the referendum through a public appeal and putting posters on perceptible places.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 32, 33:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
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 9:
Civil initiative is raised for submitting a proposal for changing the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, for proposing for passing a law and for passing decisions and other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Civil initiative may be raised for announcing referendum, for expressing the opinion of the citizens upon certain issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Article 62
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Article 63
Proposal for passing a law may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal for passing a law shall be prepared in accordance with the Journal of the Assembly.
Together with the proposal, 10,000 signatures of voters shall also be submitted.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011), art. 71
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 9, 62, 63
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Activities related to a citizen's initiative lie with the initiating group/organization - no specification by law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Article 7
Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
b . Expenditure limits c . Contribution limits d . Restrictions on the sources of contributions e . Disclosure requirements f . Other (please specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Art. 41 (2): The provisions from the Law on Election of MPs in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia shall be applied for the conduct and the way of voting on the referendum, unless otherwise determined by this Law.
Law on Referendum, Art. 42: The public propaganda on the referendum shall end no later than 48 hours prior to the day of voting.
Electoral Code, Art. 83:
(1)The election campaign may not be financed from:funds from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia, except the funds defined in Article86, paragraph (2)of this Code; funds from the budget of municipalities and the City of Skopje,except the funds defined in Article86, paragraph (2)of this Code; funds from public enterprises and public institutions; funds from citizens' associations, religious communities, religious groups, and foundations; funds from foreign governments, international institutions, bodies and organisations of foreign states and other foreign entities; funds from joint ventures with dominant foreign capital; and funds from unidentified sources.
(2)The election campaign may be financed from:the membership fee of the political party;private persons in the amount of up to 3,000 Euro in MKD equivalent; and legal entities in the amount of up to 30,000 Euro in MKD equivalent.
(3)The election campaign may also be financed from donations of private persons and legal entities in the form of money and goods and services whose value that may not exceed the amount determined in paragraph (2), indents2 and 3 of this article.
Electoral Code, Art. 84: When financing the election campaign, the election campaign participant may spend no more than 110 Denars per voter registered in the electoral district or the municipality for which the list of candidate/s has been submitted, both for the first and the second round of voting.
Electoral Code, Art. 85: (1) The election campaign participant shall submit a complete financial report on the election campaign immediately, or not later than 30 days from the day of closure of the bank account from Article 71, paragraph (10).
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 42
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019): https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: No requirements set by law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Article 7
Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: For the campaign period.
Law on Referendum, Article 42: The public propaganda on the referendum shall end no later than 48 hours prior to the day of voting.
Law on Referendum, Article 30: The decision for announcing referendum shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia. From the day of announcing the referendum until the day of holding the referendum it may not pass less than 60 nor more than 90 days.
Law on Referendum, Article 32: The decision for announcing a referendum shall be announced in the media no later than 15 days before the day of holding the referendum. The text of the decision upon which it will be decided on the referendum shall also be announced in the media.
Law on Referendum, Art. 41 (2): The provisions from the Law on Election of MPs in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia shall be applied for the conduct and the way of voting on the referendum, unless otherwise determined by this Law.
Electoral Code, Art. 69-a: (2)The election campaign shall begin20 days before Election Day and in the first and the second round of elections, it cannot continue over the last 24 hours before Election Day and on Election Day.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 30, 32, 1, 42
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 69-a: https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: No recall is possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments: The impartial campaign (also referred to as "voter education") run by the State Election Commission is financed from the state budget.
Electoral Code, Art. 26 (7): The funds for the operation of the State Election Commission shall be provided from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019): https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
b . Free media access e . Other (specify)
Comments: A referendum will be prepared and conducted by the respective election commission, just like normal elections. The State Election Commission and the Municipal Election Commission receive funds from the state budget to fulfil their obligations.
Law on Referendum, Article 34: The referendum shall be conducted by:
- The State Election Commission;
- The electoral commissions of the electoral units (hereinafter: electoral commissions) and
- The electoral boards.
Law on Referendum, Article 59: The means for the conduct of the referendum shall be provided from the budget of the Republic of Macedonia.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 43, 59:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No recall is possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD124
If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Electoral Code, Art. 75 (2): Regardless of the language in which they broadcast the program, during the election campaign, broadcasters are required to provide the election campaign participants with equal conditions for access to all forms of electoral media presentation –news, special informative programs (interviews, debates, TV/radio hustings, topical information programs, topical information programs with documentary approach and thematic specialized informative programs), free political presentation and paid political advertising.
Source
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019): https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified
2020/04/22
DD126
What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Law on Referendum, Art. 41 (2): The provisions from the Law on Election of MPs in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia shall be applied for the conduct and the way of voting on the referendum, unless otherwise determined by this Law.
Multiple restrictions and controls, see Electoral Code, Art. 75-76-e.
Source
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019): https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified
2020/04/22
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: No recall is possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments: 2. Bodies for conduct of referendum
Article 34
The referendum shall be conducted by:
- The State Election Commission;
- The electoral commissions of the electoral units (hereinafter: electoral commissions) and
- The electoral boards.
Article 35
The State Election Commission during the conduct of the referendum:
- Sees to the legitimacy in the preparation and conduct of the referendum;
- Coordinates the work and gives instructions to the electoral commissions;
- Prescribes the forms for the conduct of this law;
- Determines the unique standards for the conditions for conduct of the referendum;
- Determines and announces the result of the referendum and
- Performs other works.
Article 36
The electoral commission during the conduct of the referendum:
- Appoints the composition of the electoral boards and issues instructions for their work;
- Sees to the legitimate conduct of the referendum;
- Determines the results for the electoral unit and
- Performs other works.
Article 37
The electoral board shall be composed of a president, two members and their deputies.
Article 38
The electoral board shall directly run the voting at the polling stations, provide for regularity and secrecy of the voting, provide for free and peaceful holding of the voting, determine the result of the voting in the polling stations and perform other matters.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 34-38:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Electoral Code, Art. 17:
Bodies responsible for administering the elections are: The State Election Commission,Municipal Election Commissions and the Election Commission of the City of Skopje,Election Boards, and Election Boards for conducting the polling at the diplomatic –consular offices of the Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter “DCOs“), or the consular offices.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019): https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Government levels in Macedonia consist of national level and municipalities only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Government levels in Macedonia consist of national level and municipalities only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Government levels in Macedonia consist of national level and municipalities only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Government levels in Macedonia consist of national level and municipalities only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Government levels in Macedonia consist of national level and municipalities only.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments: Not mandatory, just optional:
Law on Referendum, Article 8
Referendum may be announced also in the units of the local self-government for issues that have local significance and which are under the authority of the units of the local self-government.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 8
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 8
Referendum may be announced also in the units of the local self-government for issues that have local significance and which are under the authority of the units of the local self-government.
Law on Local Self-Government, Art. 28:
(1) Through a referendum the citizens may decide on issues from under the competency of the municipality, as well as other issues of local importance.(2) The council shall be obliged to issue a notice of a referendum at the request of at least 20% of the voters of the municipality.(3) The council may issue a notice of a referendum on issues within its authority, at its own initiative.(4) The decision adopted on the referendum shall be binding for the council.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 8
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Law on Local Self Government (2002), Art. 28: http://mls.gov.mk/images/laws/EN/Law_LSG.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Law on Local Self-Government, Article 26 (Civil Initiative):
(1) The citizens shall have the right to propose to the council to enact a certain act or to decide upon a certain issue within its authority.(2) Civil initiative shall not be raised for personnel and financial issues.(3) Upon the proposal from paragraph 1 of this Article, the council shall be obliged to discuss if it is supported by at least 10% of the voters in the municipality, that is of the neighbourhood self-government to which a certain issue refers.(4) The council shall be obliged to hold the discussion from paragraph 3 of this Article at the latest 90 days after the raising of the initiative and to inform the citizens on its decision.
Source: Law on Local Self Government (2002), Art. 26: http://mls.gov.mk/images/laws/EN/Law_LSG.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Law on Local Self-Government, Article 26 (Civil Initiative):
(1) The citizens shall have the right to propose to the council to enact a certain act or to decide upon a certain issue within its authority.(2) Civil initiative shall not be raised for personnel and financial issues.(3) Upon the proposal from paragraph 1 of this Article, the council shall be obliged to discuss if it is supported by at least 10% of the voters in the municipality, that is of the neighbourhood self-government to which a certain issue refers.(4) The council shall be obliged to hold the discussion from paragraph 3 of this Article at the latest 90 days after the raising of the initiative and to inform the citizens on its decision.
Source: Law on Local Self Government (2002), Art. 26: http://mls.gov.mk/images/laws/EN/Law_LSG.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments: No recalls possible.
Law on Local Self Government, Art. 26 (2) Civil initiative shall not be raised for personnel and financial issues.
Source: Law on Local Self Government (2002), Art. 26: http://mls.gov.mk/images/laws/EN/Law_LSG.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Transfer of authority to international bodies j . Other (specify)
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 3: Referendum shall be mandatory announced for adopting a decision of the Assembly for changing the border of the Republic and the decision for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 120:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 3
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties d . National sovereignty, national self-determination f . Devolution g . Civil service i . Other public policy issues j . Other (specify)
Comments: Constitution, Article 130: A proposal to initiate a change in the Constitution in the Republic of Macedonia may be made by the President of the Republic, by the Government, by at least 30 Representatives, or by 150,000 citizens.
Law on Referendum: Article 4
Referendum may be announced for passing laws, need of ratification of international agreements and other issues that are competence of the Assembly (previous).
Law on Referendum: Article 5
Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 130:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 4,5:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Art. 6: Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/22
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: Law on Local Self Government, Art. 28: (1) Through a referendum the citizens may decide on issues from under the competency of the municipality, as well as other issues of local importance.
Source: Law on Local Self Government (2002), Art. 28
http://mls.gov.mk/images/laws/EN/Law_LSG.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government c . President d . Legislative majority e . Registered electors
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 17
A proposal for announcing a legislative referendum may be submitted by the Government of the republic of Macedonia, every Member of the Parliament or at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal referred to in paragraph 1 of this article in the name of the voters shall be submitted by the authorized representative. The signatures of the voters shall be submitted together with the proposal.
The procedure for collecting signatures of the voters for announcing a legislative referendum shall be conducted in a way determined by law.
Constitution, Art. 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.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 17:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 120
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 3: Referendum shall be mandatory announced for adopting a decision of the Assembly for changing the border of the Republic and the decision for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states.
Constitution, Art. 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.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 3
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 120
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department) d . Legislature e . Registered electors
Comments: The Assembly announces referenda, therefore, it finalizes the referendum question. However, the draft question is submitted by the initiators of the referendum.
Article 17 (1) A proposal for announcing a legislative referendum may be submitted by the Government of the republic of Macedonia, every Member of the Parliament or at least 10,000 voters.
Article 18: The issue for which announcing a legislative referendum is proposed, needs to be formulated precisely and unambiguously.
Article 28:
The referendum shall be announced by the Assembly with the decision.
The referendum shall be announced for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 29:
The decision for announcing a referendum shall establish the following: the type of referendum, the decision for which it will be decided, the text of the question that will be put on referendum, the day of announcing the referendum and the day of its holding.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 17, 18, 28, 29
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 44: The decision for announcement of the referendum and the text of the question put on referendum shall be post in the polling station.
Law on Referendum, Article 46:
The ballot shall contain the question put on referendum and instructions on the way of voting.
If it is voted for more issues, each issue shall be voted for on a separate ballot.
The question on the ballot must be formulated precisely and unambiguously, so that the citizen on the referendum can answer with “FOR” or “AGAINST”.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 44, 46
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 44: The decision for announcement of the referendum and the text of the question put on referendum shall be post in the polling station.
Law on Referendum, Article 46:
The ballot shall contain the question put on referendum and instructions on the way of voting.
If it is voted for more issues, each issue shall be voted for on a separate ballot.
The question on the ballot must be formulated precisely and unambiguously, so that the citizen on the referendum can answer with “FOR” or “AGAINST”.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 44, 46
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: Article 28
The referendum shall be announced by the Assembly with the decision.
The referendum shall be announced for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 29
The decision for announcing a referendum shall establish the following: the type of referendum, the decision for which it will be decided, the text of the question that will be put on referendum, the day of announcing the referendum and the day of its holding.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 28, 29
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: Article 28
The referendum shall be announced by the Assembly with the decision.
The referendum shall be announced for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 29
The decision for announcing a referendum shall establish the following: the type of referendum, the decision for which it will be decided, the text of the question that will be put on referendum, the day of announcing the referendum and the day of its holding.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 28, 29
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD038
What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Turnout quorum
Approval quorum 50 % +
No quorum required
Not applicable
Article 13
The decision for changing the border of the Republic and the decision for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states shall be considered adopted on referendum if majority of the total number of voters registered in the General Voters’ List voted for that on the referendum.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 13
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD039
What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Turnout quorum 50 % +
Approval quorum 50 % +
No quorom required
Not applicable
Article 23
The decision for a legislative referendum shall be considered adopted, if majority of the voters that voted, voted for that, if more than half of the total number of voters registered in the General Voters’ List voted.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 23
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: Article 13
The decision for changing the border of the Republic and the decision for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states shall be considered adopted on referendum if majority of the total number of voters registered in the General Voters’ List voted for that on the referendum.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 13
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: Article 23
The decision for a legislative referendum shall be considered adopted, if majority of the voters that voted, voted for that, if more than half of the total number of voters registered in the General Voters’ List voted.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 23
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD042
Question: In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments: Article 14
The decision for changing the border for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states adopted on referendum shall be considered compulsory.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 14
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments: Article 23
The decision for a legislative referendum shall be considered adopted, if majority of the voters that voted, voted for that, if more than half of the total number of voters registered in the General Voters’ List voted.
The decision reached on a legislative referendum shall be compulsory.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 23
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals c . Other (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum,
Article 62:
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Article 63:
Proposal for passing a law may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal for passing a law shall be prepared in accordance with the Journal of the Assembly.
Together with the proposal, 10,000 signatures of voters shall also be submitted.
Article 64:
Civil initiative for announcing referendum may also be raised by 150,000 voters, on issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Article 65:
Civil initiative is raised also for reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
In reference to the proposal from paragraph 1 of this article, the Assembly is obliged to decide within 60 days following the day of the submission, provided that the proposal is supported by at least 10,000 voters.
Constitution, Art. 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.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 71:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 63-65:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals
Comments: Article 62:
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Article 63:
Proposal for passing a law may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal for passing a law shall be prepared in accordance with the Journal of the Assembly.
Together with the proposal, 10,000 signatures of voters shall also be submitted.
Constitution, Art. 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.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 71:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 63, 64:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues j . Other (specify)
Comments: Article 7
Referendum may not be announced for issues related to the Budget of the Republic and the final closing account of the Budget, for public fees, for the reserves of the Republic, for the issues related to elections, appointments and dismissals and for amnesty.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 7
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments: Constitution, Art. 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.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 71:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals b . Registered committee/organisation
Comments: Article 66
Initiative for collecting signatures for proposing, for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, proposing of passing a law, as well as reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, may be raised by 100 voters, a registered political party or an association of citizens.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 66
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals b . Registered committee/organisation
Comments: Article 66
Initiative for collecting signatures for proposing, for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, proposing of passing a law, as well as reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, may be raised by 100 voters, a registered political party or an association of citizens.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 66
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
b . General explanation of purpose c . Full proposed text
Comments: Article 62
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 62
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: The title, including its determination, is not regulated by the law.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments: The title, including its determination, is not ruled by the law .
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Incomprehensibility
Comments: Article 18: The issue for which announcing a legislative referendum is proposed, needs to be formulated precisely and unambiguously.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 18
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: No precise regulation in this regard, according to the Law on Referendum and the constitution.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: No precise regulation in this regard, according to the Law on Referendum and the constitution.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: A possibility of an alternative proposal is not governed by law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: No precise regulation in this regard, according to the Law on Referendum and the constitution.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: No precise regulation in this regard, according to the Law on Referendum and the constitution.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: No precise regulation in this regard, according to the Law on Referendum and the constitution.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
c . Legislature
Comments: Article 28:
The referendum shall be announced by the Assembly with the decision.
The referendum shall be announced for the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 29:
The decision for announcing a referendum shall establish the following: the type of referendum, the decision for which it will be decided, the text of the question that will be put on referendum, the day of announcing the referendum and the day of its holding.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 28, 29
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
a . Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: Only with regards to a referendum initiated by a citizen's initiative, regulation is set by law: Max. 120 days.
Article 17: (1) A proposal for announcing a legislative referendum may be submitted by the Government of the republic of Macedonia, every Member of the Parliament or at least 10,000 voters.
Article 20: The Assembly shall be obliged to decide within 30 days of submitting the proposal for announcing a legislative referendum.
Article 30: From the day of announcing the referendum until the day of holding the referendum it may not pass less than 60 nor more than 90 days.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 17, 20, 30
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments: Recall is not possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Recall is not possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Recall is not possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Recall is not possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Recall is not possible.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD072
How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Fixed number 150.000 signatures
Proportion of the electorate
Proportion of the vote at the most recent election
Other (specify)
Not applicable
Law on Referendum, Article 5: Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Law on Referendum, Article 22: The Assembly is obliged to announce a legislative referendum, when the proposal is submitted by at least 150,000 voters, on issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 5, 22
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD073
How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Fixed number 150.000
Proportion of the electorate
Proportion of the vote at the most recent election
Other (specify)
Not applicable
Law on Referendum, Article 5: Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Law on Referendum, Article 22: The Assembly is obliged to announce a legislative referendum, when the proposal is submitted by at least 150,000 voters, on issues that are under the authority of the Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 5, 22
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD074
How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Fixed number X
Proportion of the electorate
Proportion of the vote at the most recent election
Other (specify)
Not applicable
Law on Referendum, Article 62:
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Article 63:
Proposal for passing a law may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal for passing a law shall be prepared in accordance with the Journal of the Assembly.
Together with the proposal, 10,000 signatures of voters shall also be submitted.
Article 64:
Civil initiative for announcing referendum may also be raised by 150,000 voters, on issues that are under the authority of the Assembly.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 62, 63, 64:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD075
How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Fixed number X
Proportion of the electorate
Proportion of the vote at the most recent election
Other (specify)
Not applicable
Law on Referendum, Article 62:
Proposal for approaching to change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia may be submitted by 150,000 citizens with a right to vote.
The proposal shall state how and where to amend the Constitution, as well as the reasons for it.
Together with the proposal 150,000 signatures of citizens with a right to vote shall also be submitted.
Article 63:
Proposal for passing a law may be submitted by at least 10,000 voters.
The proposal for passing a law shall be prepared in accordance with the Journal of the Assembly.
Together with the proposal, 10,000 signatures of voters shall also be submitted.
Source
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 62, 63:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified
2020/04/23
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Article 43
The referendum shall be conducted from 7.00 until 19.00.
The polling station where all citizens registered in the excerpt from the General Voters’ List voted may be closed before the expiration of the time determined for voting.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 43:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Article 43
The referendum shall be conducted from 7.00 until 19.00.
The polling station where all citizens registered in the excerpt from the General Voters’ List voted may be closed before the expiration of the time determined for voting.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 43:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum Art. 66: The deadline for collecting signatures for submitting a proposal for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia shall be six moths following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
The deadline for collecting signatures for proposing of passing a law and reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly shall be three months following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 66:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Art. 66: The deadline for collecting signatures for submitting a proposal for approaching towards amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia shall be six moths following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
The deadline for collecting signatures for proposing of passing a law and reaching decisions and resolving other issues that are under the authority of the Assembly shall be three months following the day of starting the collection of signatures.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 66:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments: Article 39: A right to vote on the referendum shall have every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who has turned 18 years of age and has working ability.
Article 40
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 39, 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments: Article 39: A right to vote on the referendum shall have every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who has turned 18 years of age and has working ability.
Article 40
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 39, 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments: Not determined by law. However, it is to assume that the same guidelines apply that apply for voting in the actual referendum that might follow a citizen's initiative.
Article 39: A right to vote on the referendum shall have every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who has turned 18 years of age and has working ability.
Article 40
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 39, 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments: Not determined by law. However, it is to assume that the same guidelines apply that apply for voting in the actual referendum that might follow a citizen's initiative.
Article 39: A right to vote on the referendum shall have every citizen of the Republic of Macedonia who has turned 18 years of age and has working ability.
Article 40
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 39, 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: No recall possible according to Article 7, Law on Referendum.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 7:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: No recall possible according to Article 7, Law on Referendum.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 7:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
b . At specified places
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 40:
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
b . At specified places
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 40:
The citizens, who on the day of referendum are not in their place of residence due to serving military duty or military drill, shall vote in the military unit.
For the voters of paragraph 1 of this article, the referendum shall be conducted by the electoral board from the closest polling station.
The provisions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article shall also apply to the persons who are in custody or sentenced to imprisonment.
The voters who are temporarily working or staying abroad shall vote in the polling stations in the place of their last residence.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 40:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: This peculiar issue is not regulated by the law.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: This peculiar issue is not regulated by the law.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: No recall possible according to Article 7, Law on Referendum.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 7:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must provide identity/voting card number b . Signatories must give copy of thumbprint c . Other (specify)
Comments: Law on Referendum, Article 41:
The referendum shall be conducted in a polling stations determined by law.
The provisions from the Law on Election of MPs in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia shall be applied for the conduct and the way of voting on the referendum, unless otherwise determined by this Law.
Electoral Code, Article 108
(1)Voters shall approach to vote one at a time.
(2)When the voter approaches to vote, the Election Board shall check whether the voter is at the adequate polling station and shall use a ultraviolet lamp to check whether there is an indelible mark on the nail and the thumb of the right hand.
(3)When the voter approaches to vote, the Election Board shall verify his/her personal identity.
(4)The voter shall prove his/her personal identity with an ID card or a travel document.
(5)Having verified the voter’s identity, the Election Board shall circle the ordinal number of the voter in the Voter List and the voter shall countersign the Voter List. If the voter is illiterate, then the voter shall deposit his/her fingerprint of the right thumb. If the voter does not have a right thumb, then the voter shall deposit the fingerprint of the left thumb. If he/she does not have a left thumb either, then no fingerprint shall be deposited.
(6)After the identification, the voter shall be given a ballot and the thumb oft he right hand or the thumb of the left hand, if the voter has no thumb on the right hand, shall be marked with a spray, while making sure that the spray also covers the nail of the thumb. If the voter has no thumb on either hand, no marking shall be done.
Source: Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, Art. 41:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 108:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Not outlined by law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Not outlined by law.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: No recall is possible, see Art.7, Law on Referendum.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
b . Ban on payment per signature
Comments: This is bribery according to Art 162 Criminal Code:
A person, who offers, gives or promises a present or some other personal benefit to a person with the
voting right, with the intention of influencing this person to perform or not to perform the voting right, or to perform it in a certain way.
Source: Criminal Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (2009, amended 2018):
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/8145/file/fYROM_CC_2009_am2018_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
b . Ban on payment per signature
Comments: This is bribery according to Art 162 Criminal Code:
A person, who offers, gives or promises a present or some other personal benefit to a person with the
voting right, with the intention of influencing this person to perform or not to perform the voting right, or to perform it in a certain way.
Source: Criminal Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (2009, amended 2018):
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/8145/file/fYROM_CC_2009_am2018_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
b . Ban on payment per signature
Comments: This is bribery according to Art 162 Criminal Code:
A person, who offers, gives or promises a present or some other personal benefit to a person with the
voting right, with the intention of influencing this person to perform or not to perform the voting right, or to perform it in a certain way.
Source: Criminal Code of the Republic of North Macedonia (2009, amended 2018):
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/8145/file/fYROM_CC_2009_am2018_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/23
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
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
f . 1981-2000
Comments: By adoption of the constitution in 1991.
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/23
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No precise code of conduct, just Art. 26 (3): The President, the Vice President and the members of the State Election Commission shall fulfil the responsibilities of their office professionally.
Source: Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia (IFES consolidated version as of February 2019), Art. 26
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments: Article 113-b (1) The members of the Election Boards for voting at the DCOs or consular officesshall vote at the State Election Commission three days prior to the election dayin the Republic of Macedonia.
Article 113-a (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.
Article 111
(1) The voter who is unable to vote at the polling station (incapacitated or ill, 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 there of not 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.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 111, 113-a, 113-b:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
d . At mobile polling stations e . Other
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.
Article 111
(1) The voter who is unable to vote at the polling station (incapacitated or ill, 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 there of not 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.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 111, 113-a:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
b . Disabled persons f . Other
Comments: Article 113-b (1) The members of the Election Boards for voting at the DCOs or consular offices shall vote at the State Election Commission three days prior to the election day in the Republic of Macedonia.
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.
Article 111
(1) The voter who is unable to vote at the polling station (incapacitated or ill, 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 there of not 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.
Source: Electoral Code of The Republic of Macedonia (consolidated version as of February 2019), art. 111, 113-a, 113-b:
https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral_code_of_the_republic_of_north_macedonia_february_2019_english.pdf
Verified: 2020/04/20
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/04/20
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
Forgot your password?
