The Republic of Macedonia has sustained prolonged political turmoil, turmoil that stems from extremely tense relations between the ruling and opposition political parties. The dialog has been cut off long ago, which culminated with the events of December 24 and the period that followed. Amidst erosion of both the democracy and the rule of law, Macedonian citizens are now facing yet another precarious election cycle.
We continue to stand behind the opinions we voiced at the time of the dramatic hours of chaos and violence in the Parliament and on the street of Skopje on December 24 – this country needs reason and restoration of democracy and rule of law, as well as respect for human rights and freedoms.
The Government has gotten all the instruments needed to create an enabling environment for political dialog that has been lifeless for some time. It is a high time to put those instruments into use. Formal invitations to a dialog coming from either side of the political barricades have to go free from designations and from any attempt of gaining additional political points. The dialog must be established on fair bases, along with paramount manifestation of political will for strengthening of the political institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms.
Civil stands firmly behind its belief that the civil organisations are key players for improvement of these conditions. This is a time when the civil society has got a unique opportunity to undertake the role that is by definition its intrinsic role, and that is to be the voice of the citizens. There’s no time to waste in weighing words, what is needed now is action and frank engagement of each and every honest person in order to overcome this crisis. Voicing one’s opinion must not be subject to labelling and discrimination. That is a human right which is protected by the laws and the Constitution.
All political stakeholders in the country must urgently stand in support of the interest of all Macedonian citizens and show maturity in these distressing days. Within the frameworks of its campaign Free and Non-violent Elections 2013, Civil urges:
It is a high time for political reconciliation! It’s not about you. It’s about us, Citizens!
