Skopje, 10 January 2024 (MIA) – The Head of the State Election Commission (SEC) Aleksandar Dashtevski said that the appointment of the seventh member of the Commission is not of crucial importance for them, but it would be beneficial for the elections if the SEC is fully staffed and operates in full composition.

Speaking about the appointment of the seventh member of the State Election Commission, Dashtevski told Sitel TV that it is in the state's interest "not to leave a black mark in front of the OSCE and the international community."

"I won't get involved in politics. I think the seventh member will be elected after all. As we hear in the public, there is sufficient time to align positions and select the seventh member. Additionally, the incoming Parliament Speaker, Jovan Mitreski, announced that it will undoubtedly happen. It is in the state's interest not to leave a black mark in front of the OSCE and the international community. In regard to the Albanian opposition's decision to withdraw, I assume it is about the need to fully respect the law. We will have to wait and see if such a proposal is put forward, what will be included in the proposal, and if it relates to the violation of the Electoral Code or illegal activities. In such cases, the procedure is clear – it goes to the Parliament. Whatever is decided, we will accept it," Dashtevski said.

In the event that the work becomes more complicated, would he and the other member of the State Election Commission from VMRO-DPMNE, Boban Stojanovski, resign, Dashtevski clarified that in this context, it's not about resigning but following procedures in the Parliament.

Regarding the announcements from the Albanian opposition about blockades at polling stations, Dashtevski believes that matters will be sorted out, and we will manage to have regular, democratic, fair, and free elections.

Photo: screenshot