The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened Thursday an election observation mission to North Macedonia for the April 24 presidential elections and the May 8 parliamentary elections, following an invitation from the national authorities.
The head of the observation mission, Ambassador Jillian Stirk, said these are the 22nd elections in North Macedonia that will be observed by ODIHR. The last elections they observed were the local elections in 2021.
“ODIHR works in line with the established election observation methodology. We are completely unbiased and founded on facts. Within the framework of the mission, an assessment will be carried out whether the elections are in line with the OSCE commitments and other international obligations, as well as the national legislation. We have a main team of 12 international experts in Skopje from 12 OSCE states. This is a very diverse group. We will be in the country both for the presidential and parliamentary elections and leave on May 19,” Ambassador Stirk said.
In addition to the main team, ODIHR will deploy 20 long-term observers throughout the country, with teams of two in Tetovo, Ohrid, Bitola, Prilep, Strumica, Kochani, Kumanovo and Shtip, as well as two teams in Skopje.
An additional 300 short-term observers are expected to arrive shortly before the elections.
