“One of the features that we can freely say is at a standstill at this election process as well, is precisely the hate speech that further is related to the black campaign, which is at the forefront just like in the previous election processes”, said Maja Ivanovska from CIVIL, at the Conference “Like elections – like future”

Ivanovska, reflecting on the election campaigns run by the candidates for president of the Republic of North Macedonia, spoke about the hate speech, the black campaign and the false news that are gaining momentum in the period before the elections.

“I am sure that the public is more familiar with the negative sides of the candidates then with their actual pre-election programs. Thus, at every step, at every rally, at every public debate or public meeting with the citizens, more time is dedicated as to how to disparage the opponent, then to talk about what the competencies of the future president of the state are, and what he or she plans to implement during their term”, says Ivanovska.

In terms of the false news, Ivanovska spoke about the anti-migration hysteria, which has again become a popular topic during the elections, repeating the position of the organization that there is no place for hate speech, a black campaign and false news in a society that is aspiring to advance towards the European Union and NATO.

Camera: Trpe Stojanoski
Editing: Arian Mehmeti