Andonovski: Gridlock over Electoral Code amendments blocks efforts to facilitate diaspora voting
Skopje, 19 July 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski, voiced regret that amendments to the Electoral Code, which, according to him, were to facilitate Macedonian diaspora voting, were not adopted, noting that this practically limits one of the basic constitutional rights of emigrants.
According to Minister Andonovski, citizens abroad have the legal and constitutional right to vote, but the current system significantly hinders its exercise.
"They have that right by law and the Constitution. Traveling thousands of kilometers twice to be able to vote in certain elections is truly an abridgement of that right," Andonovski said at Sunday's launch of a new Service Center in Krushevo.
The Minister pointed out that in previous political discussions there was no principled opposition to the idea of diaspora voting, but rather the main discussion was about the models according to which it would be implemented.
"We tried to make this type of voting possible for the diaspora, and it is surprising that in previous discussions we've had as political parties, no one prevented or opposed the diaspora's voting, but only modalities were discussed. This time we allowed all kinds of modalities – whether it would be electronic voting, with verification of citizens and their prior registration, whether it would be voting by mail. But, unfortunately, it was not met with understanding on the part of the opposition," said Andonovski.
He added that because of this, the legal solution remains in gridlock, and the deadline set within the Reform Agenda has already expired.
However, Andonovski expressed hope that in the future, talks on this issue will continue and a solution will be found that will allow emigrants to easily exercise their right to vote.
"I hope that in the future we will continue to discuss these topics, and enable the diaspora to vote, because those people deserve it, they are the people who invest in this country. We should not forget the diaspora," Minister Andonovski stressed.
Photo: Stefan Andonovski Facebook
