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Observers say Macedonia's early elections "well-administered"

Xinhua, December 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Despite some small irregularities, elections in Macedonia went smoothly, foreign observers said Monday.

Roberto Battelli, a special coordinator from the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), called the elections "well administered" and an important step in the country's path.

While the main political forces agreed to a series of legal and institutional changes to provide for a level playing field, underlying issues such as those related to the media and voter registration have yet to be addressed in a sustainable manner, observers said in their preliminary statement.

However, Battelli said the high turnout testifies that the voters understood the crucial role good elections play in the future of their country.

In this regard, he said that the winning political establishment has a responsibility to live up to these expectations and carry on with reforms necessary for the country's future.

In another statement, Deputy Prime Minister Nikola Poposki told local media that foreign affairs ministers from European Union countries and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn expressed their satisfaction with the way how early general elections in Macedonia were held.

According to media reports, Poposki told EU foreign ministers that now it is time for EU to open EU accession talks for Macedonia.

Meanwhile, the Macedonian Interior Ministry reported Monday that seven indictments have been made due to irregularities on voting day while 18 people were arrested for being suspected of committing electoral crime. Enditem