Macedonian parliament dissolved ahead of early election June 5
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Macedonian parliament dissolved ahead of early election June 5, 7 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5768fff018.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 07, 2016
Macedonia's parliament was dissolved on April 6, ushering in an early election on June 5 that is aimed at ending a political crisis sparked by a wiretapping scandal.
The election is being held two years early under a Western-brokered deal reached last year. The crisis stemmed from opposition allegations that the governing conservatives illegally wire-tapped 20,000 people, including police, judges, journalists, and foreign diplomats.
The 60-day countdown to the election started after Parliament speaker Trajko Veljanoski formally dissolved Parliament before midnight on April 6.
Social-Democrats leader Zoran Zaev said his party won't participate in the early elections because some conditions the left is demanding, such as media reforms, have not been implemented.
The election initially was set for April 24 but Macedonia's main political parties agreed in February to push it back after opposition parties, backed by the European Union and United States, complained that April was too early.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website