Shasivari to seek meeting with Filipche to unblock Electoral Code

Justice Minister Jeton Shasivari said he will seek a meeting with SDSM MP and leader Venko Filipche as part of efforts to unblock the adoption of a new Electoral Code.

Shasivari made the announcement after meeting with members of the working group on electoral legislation reform. Representatives of all parliamentary parties attended that session except for delegates from SDSM.

Next steps

“I believe that the electoral process and the reform of electoral legislation are matters that require a broad political and institutional consensus. Therefore, in the coming period I will seek a meeting with the president of SDSM, Venko Filipche, in order to discuss the open issues and find a way for the process to continue. I expect SDSM to join the next meeting of the working group and to make its contribution to the reform,” Shasivari said.

He stressed that political differences should not prevent improvements to the electoral system and the creation of legislation that is stable, predictable, transparent and aligned with European standards and the recommendations of OSCE/ODIHR.

“I do not expect everyone to agree on everything. But I expect us to talk. This reform transcends day-to-day political interests and affects every citizen, because electoral rules are directly linked to trust in the democratic process and in institutions. The Electoral Code does not belong to any political party. It is a law that sets the democratic rules by which citizens exercise their freely expressed will. Therefore, all political actors have an obligation to talk,” he added.

The Ministry of Justice will continue dialogue with Parliament, political parties, the expert community, civic organizations and other relevant institutions to ensure an inclusive process and quality solutions for improving electoral legislation.

Photo: Ministerstvo za pravda