Skopje, 14 February 2024 (MIA) – Parliament Speaker Jovan Mitreski has scheduled Wednesday afternoon the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The first round of the presidential elections is scheduled for April 24, while the second round will be held together with the parliamentary elections on May 8, 2024.

“Today, in accordance with my constitutional authority and the constitutionally mandated timelines, I have signed the decisions to call the presidential and parliamentary elections in the country. The first round of the country's seventh presidential elections is set to take place on April 24, 2024, while the second round of the presidential vote will coincide with the eleventh parliamentary elections on May 8,” Mitreski said.

In accordance with the Electoral Code, the deadlines for conducting electoral activities kicks off from the day the decision is published in the Official Gazette.

“I believe that in the upcoming election period, all competent institutions, along with all involved stakeholders, will contribute to ensuring a fair and democratic electoral process, befitting a democratic nation, a member of NATO, and a country progressing towards full membership in the European Union,” Mitreski said.

According to Mitreski, in the recent electoral processes, North Macedonia has demonstrated its capacity to organize democratic elections in accordance with European values and principles.

“As a country, we have established standards that we must only seek to enhance and advance, and under no circumstances can we allow ourselves to regress. The act of voting in elections, or the citizens' ability to express their own will through the ballot paper, stands as the cornerstone of democracy. This is the opportunity for citizens to determine their own future with their vote. I am convinced that in these elections, the citizens will make the right choice and will choose the future we desire and the future our country deserves,” Mitreski added.

Once the decision for the elections is published in the Official Gazette, the State Election Commission (SEC) should approve timetables, thus formally initiating the election activities.

Photo: MIA