WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 17, 2009 – The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) urges Macedonia’s Government and political institutions to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections on March 22, 2009.
Free and fair elections are fundamental to any democratic state, particularly one that has set membership in NATO and the European Union as two of its primary foreign policy objectives. Failure to hold elections, consistent with Macedonia’s standards and the international community’s expectations, has the potential to further delay Macedonia’s entry into these organizations. Given their significance to the future prosperity of Macedonia and the region, these elections may well be pivotal to the goal of all Macedonian citizens who wish to see their nation join the Euro-Atlantic community and prosper.
UMD believes that it is incumbent on political party leaders to discourage their supporters and activists from engaging in acts of violence or other behavior that might compromise the validity and integrity of the election process. UMD urges all leaders to condemn all electoral irregularities unequivocally and to reject any acts that undermine the authority of Macedonian institutions.
Finally, UMD urges the Ministry of the Interior and other law enforcement organizations to provide security for election workers and voting places and to promptly investigate any criminal activities that might affect the outcome of the elections.
UMD wishes the presidential candidates the very best of luck in their campaigns and hopes that all parties recognize and rally around the winner’s efforts to gain membership for Macedonia in NATO and the EU.
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Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is the leading international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.
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