Issued by the MIRO VOTO MIRO BARIPE Platform of Roma associations

We are to present to you the following remarks recorded by the host observers of the platform My voice – my responsibility in all 6 electoral districts in the Republic of Macedonia during today until 18:00, in particular focused on the voting of Roma population.

Roma people have had greater freedom to vote in these elections compared to the previous ones. In spite of the continuous pressure on Roma people in Roma settlements through promises, attempts to bribe them in fact to make them go against their will to vote using material goods, threats for fire from work and to lose social benefits as well as physical threats, still Roma people voted in a satisfactory percentage in the polling stations in Macedonia.

It is estimated that 48% of the total number of voters Roma obtained their right to vote.

Also we recorded a large percentage of Roma voters who wanted to obtain their right to vote, but were not able to vote because they are not in the excerpts of the Voters Lists in spite of the fact that they were in the excerpts of the Voters Lists during previous elections and enjoyed their right to vote.

Major serious incidents were seen at the polling station in Kochani where we noticed a mass transport provided for voters and attempts to take photos of a ballot used for voting as a proof of a vote for the option. We recorded similar situations in the municipalities of Gazi Baba, Prilep, Kumanovo, Butel and Shuto Orizari. In the electoral districts in Gostivar and Tetovo, it was noticed that due to the tiny space the observers were literary placed behind the polling booths in some polling stations and these could see for whom the voters vote. Further on, there were cases of voters who were not checked with UV-lamp and were allowed to vote.

In general, we can make a conclusion that these elections took place in more pleasant atmosphere and in minor incidents compared to previous elections.
We will inform additionally in the upcoming days about all major and serious incidents during the election silence.

Person in charge to be contacted and further meetings:
Ashmet Elezovski
Tel. 031 / 427 558
Mob. 076 / 258 595
E-mail: info@nationalromacentrum.org , asmetelezovski@yahoo.com
www.nationalromacentrum.org

Organizations in the platform: Samet Skenderi from the Initiative for Social Change InSoC Skopje, Neshat Azemovski from the Development Association of the Roma Community Sumnal Skopje, Muhamed Tochi from the Humanitarian and Charitable Roma Association Mesecina Gostivar, Zekir Abdulov from NGO KHAM Delchevo and Ashmet Elezovski from the National Roma Centrum Kumanovo.