The proposed new electoral code faces significant hurdles in parliament, primarily due to the inclusion of over 10,000 amendments from opposition parties. Given the current division among political factions, the Speaker is anticipated to play a role in facilitating a resolution. The VMRO-DPMNE party has expressed hope that the new Minister of Justice, Jeton Shasivari, will mediate a discussion with the LSDM, which has voiced opposition to the electronic voting mechanism for the diaspora.
Concurrently, the European Union is urging the swift approval of the electoral law. University professor Bashkim Selmani emphasized that the political parties need to achieve alignment concerning this significant European request. According to Selmani, this cooperation is necessary to demonstrate to European observers not only the execution of a proper electoral process but also the functionality of the rule of law within the nation.
He noted that “the EU aims for candidate countries to have credible and competitive elections, functional democratic institutions, equality among political subjects, and transparency in funding.”
The passage of the new electoral code is thus viewed as a critical step for the country’s standing with the European Union, requiring consensus among major political stakeholders to satisfy international benchmarks for democratic governance.
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