Review article
Analysis of Early 2011 Parliamentary Elections in Republic of Macedonia
Nenad Marković
; Faculty of Law Iustinianus Primus, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia
Abstract
Early 2011 elections were seventh parliamentary elections since the declaration
of independence of Macedonia. They were considered as a test for maturity of
Macedonian democracy. Taking into account relatively weak elactoral capacity
evinced during last two decades of Macedonian democracy as well as numerous
electoral irregularities, especially during the electoral processes in 2006 and
2008, these elections had special political significance for the future of the
country. International community also recognizes importance of the elections
and warns Macedonian officals on it. Ruling party VMRO -DPMNE won the
elections (although not so convincingly as in 2008) and formed the coalition
with winner among Albanian parties - DU I. There were a lot of irregularities,
repeated from the past elections. The most important iregularity was using of
public administration for partisan purposes. Moreover, D’Hont model was fatal
for final results of small parties. Due to electoral model and specific cleavages
among Macedonian political parties, small parties were eliminated from
electoral competition. Again, postelectoral period brought to light weaknesses
of political process: party leades kept their positions after electoral failure;
opposition leaders were arrested; young man lost his life during the public
celebration of the electoral victory at Central Square, but authorities tried to cover up the case.
Keywords
early parliamentary electons; Republic of Macedonia; electoral capacity; electoral geometry; D’Hont model; Sobranje; electoral irregularities
Hrčak ID:
146066
URI
Publication date:
8.12.2011.
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