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Since
July 2000, IFES has been the primary international election
assistance provider to the Government of Macedonia and the State
Election  Commission
(SEC). IFES has worked closely and effectively with the SEC,
the Ministry of Justice, other state and non-state bodies and
the international community to establish a workable election
administration structure, prepare effective election legislation
and heighten public awareness of the electoral process.
Many of the
activities carried out reflect first steps towards best practices
in the field of election administration. Collectively,
they have also contributed to the increased transparency of
democratic institutions and political processes in Macedonia.
IFES
Programming in 2000 and 2001 included:
Short-Term Technical Assistance to the State Election Commission for the
2000 Local Elections to design and implemented a
voter education and information campaign and produce a
training manual for polling station officials. The
training manual was also used by domestic and international election
observers. In addition, IFES identified inadequacies in both the law
and implementing procedures for the Voters’ List and voter identification
cards.
Sponsoring an Election Seminar to review the major issues that arose during
the 2000 local elections; explore weaknesses in the legal and administrative
framework for elections; and discuss approaches for reform.
Assistance to the Ministry of Justice
to analyze and propose amendments to existing election laws,
including analysis of several electoral models proposed for the
2002 parliamentary election and their impact on minority
representation.
Resource Center Development
to provide resource materials to the SEC, government officials,
election scholars and students as an ongoing activity .. IFES has
designated space for the Resource Center within the IFES Macedonia
office and added a significant amount of materials to the
collection in 2000 and 2001.
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