Macedonia

The 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement pulled Macedonia back from the brink of conflict between majority Macedonians and a sizable Albanian minority. Since then, the country has stabilized its political institutions, passed reform legislation and created more equitable ethnic representation in public institutions. Macedonia received European Union candidate status in 2005. However, its progress toward EU and NATO membership is stymied by a longstanding dispute with Greece over Macedonia’s constitutional name.

Macedonia’s democracy agenda centers on making political institutions pluralistic and accountable. Parliament, civic groups and political parties are key actors in in this regard. A 2010 EU report highlighted parliament’s progress in committee oversight and legislative research capability. Civic groups are stepping forward as legislative advocates and government watchdogs. Conversely, governing and opposition dialogue has faltered, key reforms in the judiciary and public administration have lagged, and partisan discord has intensified, producing snap parliamentary elections in June 2011. A much anticipated population census will be conducted later in 2011.

NDI's Democracy Support Program

Since 1993, NDI has supported Macedonians as they build a sustainable, multicultural democracy by strengthening parliament, improving elections and including diverse communities in the political process. Institute programs are supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Parliament

Drawing on emerging global legislative standards, NDI has introduced new practices in the National Assembly that are becoming accepted norms. NDI facilitated a series of committee oversight hearings on such topics as the Law on Access to Information and the U.N. Convention on Children's Rights, and assisted parliament’s Women’s Club in amending the Law on Gambling to provide two percent of the national lottery income to domestic violence victims. In partnership with the Skopje-based Institute for Parliamentary Democracy, NDI is creating an independent research institute to strengthen parliamentary lawmaking and oversight through timely, professional research and analysis.

Elections

In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, NDI organized a party code of conduct, securing pledges from political party leaders, and carried out an extensive media campaign to inform the public about the importance of democratic elections.

Civil society

NDI is helping seven civic groups advocate for laws in such areas as electronic waste management, agricultural sustainability and corporate philanthropy. The groups are building coalitions, communicating their goals to citizens and working with parliamentary committees on draft legislation.