In a vigorous response to proposed amendments to the Electoral Code in North Macedonia, various civic initiatives presented their demands to Parliament on May 30, calling for markedly easier conditions for independent candidacies. These groups are advocating for a maximum requirement of just 50 signatures for independent lists, permission to gather signatures outside State Election Commission offices, an extended signature collection period of 30 days, full representation of independent councilor lists on ballots (rather than solely the lead candidate’s name), and equal treatment in the candidate selection process through a lottery system in presidential, parliamentary, council, and mayoral elections. Unfortunately, these significant demands were largely overlooked in the submitted bill. Civic leaders are sounding the alarm, arguing that the current amendments to the Electoral Code do more to restrict than to promote the pluralism of political perspectives. They contend that these changes infringe on the constitutionally guaranteed right of every citizen to run for public office, a core principle within North Macedonia’s constitutional framework. Read more here.
