Skopje, 4 December 2023 (MIA) — VMRO-DPMNE is absolutely pleased with the outcome of Monday's meeting of the political parties' leaders and the amendments to the Electoral Code in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, according to VMRO-DPMNE vice president Aleksandar Nikoloski in a TV appearance on Monday evening.

Speaking with Sitel TV, Nikoloski said the amendments to the Electoral Code would improve the electoral process.

"We had one logical argument, which is that the most expected and most rational thing is to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections so that Macedonia is not frozen for a period of 5-6 months leading to a complete shutdown of the state," he said, adding that holding the two elections together would also save money.

"Our initial proposal for elections was exactly May 8, because May 5 is Easter, and it was accepted. I am glad that everyone ultimately realized it would be very expensive to hold two election cycles so close together," he said.

Asked about his party's potentially forming a coalition with any of North Macedonia's Albanian political parties, he said that VMRO-DPMNE would only be considering a coalition with the ethnic Albanian opposition bloc because DUI "should go into opposition," he said. mr/