North Macedonia's electoral code deadline faces partisan deadlock

The deadline for adopting a new electoral code in North Macedonia is approaching, with the European Union’s ambassador Mihalis Rokas warning that failure to reach a political consensus could keep €4.2 million of EU funding blocked. Rokas urged parties to agree on the code, emphasizing its importance for reforms and the release of European aid.

Opposition parties – LSDM, Levica and the BDI – and the governing VMRO‑DPMNE remain entrenched. The core dispute centres on how the diaspora will vote, with the government proposing electronic or postal voting and opponents demanding safeguards against manipulation. LSDM leader Venko Filipçe highlighted the lack of control mechanisms, while VMRO‑DPMNE accusations target the opposition for stalling the reform.

Despite daily coordination meetings, no breakthrough has emerged, and the parties appear unlikely to close the gap before the extended deadline. The stalemate jeopardises the anticipated disbursement of EU funds and delays the promised overhaul of the voting system.