The Minister of Justice, Jeton Shasivari, together with the members of the working group for electoral legislation reform, discussed today the open issues and the steps needed to unblock the process and return it to active institutional dynamics.
In the past period, the Ministry of Justice has initiated an open, serious and constructive dialogue with all relevant political and institutional stakeholders, in order to achieve progress in the reform of the electoral legislation through reasoned discussion and specific proposals.
"The Electoral Code is not the property of any political party, neither the government nor the opposition. It is a law that establishes the democratic rules according to which citizens exercise their freely expressed will. Therefore, all political actors have an obligation to discuss. We can have different political positions, but we must not allow differences to be an obstacle to improving the electoral system," said the Minister of Justice, Jeton Shasivari.
Minister Shasivari announced that in the coming period he will request a meeting with the MP and President of SDSM, Venko Filipche, at which they will discuss the possibilities for unblocking the process and the re-active participation of SDSM in the work of the working group.
"I believe that the electoral process and the reform of the electoral legislation are issues that require a broad political and institutional consensus. Therefore, in the coming period, I will request a meeting with the President of SDSM, Venko Filipche, in order to directly discuss the open issues and find a way for the process to continue. I expect SDSM to join the next meeting of the working group and make its contribution to the reform," said Shasivari.
As the Minister emphasized, the goal is not political outsmarting, but institutional responsibility and creating electoral legislation that will be stable, predictable, transparent and in line with European standards and relevant OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
"I do not expect everyone to agree on everything. But I expect us to discuss. This reform goes beyond daily political interests and affects every citizen, because electoral rules are directly related to trust in the democratic process and in institutions," the Minister emphasized.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with the Parliament, political parties, the expert community, civil society organizations and all relevant institutions in order to ensure an inclusive process and quality solutions for the improvement of electoral legislation.
"European integration is not just a political declaration. It means reforms, strong institutions, the rule of law and rules that apply equally to all. Electoral rules are for the citizens, European standards are our obligation, and dialogue is our institutional responsibility," emphasized the Minister of Justice, Jeton Shasivari.
