Macedonia's election law debate intensifies over diaspora voting provisions

Premier Hristijan Mickoski said the governing coalition is ready to adopt a new election code and urged the opposition to present concrete text on diaspora voting. He warned that “if you want something not to finish, form a commission,” and pledged unconditional support for any proposal that expands voting for Macedonians abroad.

Opposition leader Veno Filipče accused the draft of creating “election robbery,” arguing that changes could enable manipulation by the ruling VMRO‑DPMNE. He called for an expert working group to examine electronic or postal voting options and stressed that the current rules “are good” and must not be weakened.

Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski outlined a separate plan to introduce secure electronic voting for the diaspora by 2029, noting that several EU states have already piloted similar systems. He emphasized the need for a “digital identity portal” and political will to implement the proposal.

The dispute comes as Brussels has set a July 15 deadline for Macedonia to pass the law to secure additional EU growth‑funds. Both sides continue to clash over the pace and safeguards of the voting reforms.