Friday, December 30, 2016

Macedonia -- Books -- Part 2

While we are grateful that we can find so many good books and CDs and movies at our GULF BEACHES PUBLIC LIBRARY, we also wanted to invest in resources about Macedonia and Albania that we can call our own.  Books that can travel with us to the Balkans. Books that we can take notes in (and dogear the pages...)

After renewing the Pimsleur Albanian CDs at the library the maximum number of times, we decided that it would be a good idea to have the course that we can bring with us. 

We also had to buy the Macedonian book and CD course -- so that we could at least say здраво, добра ноќ, благодарам, молам.

The Bradt Macedonian travel guide makes us wonder if we have enough time to enjoy all of the parks and ski resorts and ancient Roman ruins and mosques and fortresses and lakes and cathedrals and ...

My daughter found this book about Mother Teresa -- who was from Skopje -- that she has been reading.  (There is a museum -- the Memorial House of Mother Teresa -- in Skopje -- on the site of the church where she was baptized.) 

We are also looking forward to learning more about Apostle Paul's travels through the region (and we are wondering if there are any landmarks to visit? although we won't be taking the road to Damascus any time soon...)

And I am looking forward to reading the Rossos history of Macedonia.  The Studies of Nationalities series published by the Hoover Institution Press at Stanford is outstanding.  We had found King's book on Moldova to be especially helpful as we prepared for that Fulbright. 

So much to read, so little time!

We can't wait till we land in Skopje...and immerse ourselves in all things Macedonian!


Macedonia -- Books -- Pinellas County Libraries




We are fortunate to have such a wonderful local library -- the GULF BEACHES PUBLIC LIBRARY -- within walking distance from our home.  As we were planning for the Fulbright to Macedonia, my daughter and I visited the library -- and checked out a variety (multi-media!) of resources about Macedonia.  And -- if the books/DVDs/CDs are not available at Gulf Beaches, we have a wonderful PINELLAS PUBLIC LIBRARY COOPERATIVE PPLC, that quickly ships the materials to Gulf Beaches via the inter-library loan system.  Thank you!

So far, we have enjoyed

--music CDs with folk music from Macedonia and from the former Yugoslavia

--language CDs -- the PIMSLEUR language series (our favorite! helped us to learn conversational Romanian and Russian before our Fulbright to Moldova...)  We were able to use the Pimsleur Albanian language CDs (mirëdita! faleminderit! mirupafshim!).  Unfortunately, there is no Pimsleur set of CDs for Macedonian.  (We purchased an alternative on Barnes and Noble website)

-- a number of books about Macedonia and Macedonians -- everything from my daughter's favorite series (Who Was? Who Is?) about Alexander the Great to cooking books to illustrated dictionaries (in Macedonian -- a reminder that we need to brush up on our Cyrillic alphabet before we land in Skopje)




South East European University -- SEEU -- Tetovo and Skopje

I am delighted that I will be teaching at the South East European University.

You can learn more about the history of SEEU on the website:
http://www.seeu.edu.mk/en/about/history


SEEU Logo

History of SEEU


In spring 2000, OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities initiated discussions for establishment of a new university in the Republic of Macedonia, which was supported by international donors.
Following the adoption of the Law on Higher Education by the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, that allowed the founding of universities that are not related to the state and supported higher education in Albanian language. In late 2000, OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities started the planning of the University. Construction work started in March 2001, and South East European University (SEEU) was opened six months later. In November 2002, the number of students was 2250, and in October 2003, the number of students was 3700.

From opening its campus in Tetovo in October 2001, it has succeeded in establishing itself as a quality-led, financially sustainable university. It is now regarded as a model for multi-ethnic, multi-lingual higher education in South East Europe.
Moreover, it has succeeded in combining the best of European and US experience, and has continued to benefit from academic collaborations sponsored by the EU Commission and USAID, among other donors. It benefits from scholarship support provided by The Netherlands and The Open Society Institute. Its history, which you can read in 'About the University' is a fascinating account of how SEEU has reached this position of strength against a background of political and economic uncertainties in the region. Now SEEU reaches out to other institutions in promoting research collaboration, exchange of students and staff and its community.
The University is equipped with many facilities that serve students in achieving their goals within the disciplines they have chosen.
Wanting all graduates to benefit fully from their solid academic backgrounds, the University provides support and practical advice concerning their careers. To support this, the university has signed cooperation agreements with private and public enterprises that can incorporate students in continuous practical work where they can maximally use the knowledge and skills acquired at SEEU.

State University Tetovo

I am delighted that I will be teaching at the State University of Tetova.
Tetova State University


http://unite.edu.mk/en/

Here is a brief history of SUT, as included on its website:

History of SUT
The State University of Tetova is open and accessible to all those who as students, teachers or associates, with their intellectual and moral qualities, in the defined environment of university autonomy as an allegation of academic freedom of individual expression and prove the skills and qualities, give their contribution in the field of education, science, and professionalism.  
“State University of Tetova has a short history but a long past”
This institution was founded on December 17th 1994 as an initiative of Albanian intellectuals, NGOs and various apolitical associations and all enthusiasts of higher education in the country and beyond. 
From this perspective, the activity, the development of the SUT can be divided into two periods:
-Period: 1994-2003 is the historical time of the creation of the University of Tetova
-Period: 2004-2010 is the period of institutional development of the University and the time of academic and physical modernization
The University, from the state of emergency, began to move toward academic, conceptual and institutional reform. The result of this unsparing activity and dimensioning is the new physiognomy of SUT. 
Therefore, SUT is affirmed as a reformed higher education institution, as a single public center in Albanian language in Macedonia for training, specialization and scientific research. SUT is a member of European University Association.
Today SUT is structured into 11 faculties, 35 study programs, 93 fields of study and 3 scientific research institutes.
Teaching scientific process  
The academic staff consists of 273 full professors and 355 associate professors engaged, or for one academic year, with progressive growth trend. 
Regarding the ​​teaching-educational process, the University pays special attention to the implementation of the Bologna reforms and reforms in the field of professional and scientific research, even though this component is still far from the targets of SUT compared with developed countries. These researches are carried out through joint projects thanks to Erasmus, DAAD, Tempus projects etc. for research and development. Relying on European standards, the academic research quality is on the increase.  
Next period will be the period that would give origin to SUT:
- The University Campus (where all faculties will concentrate in one place). The Campus will comprise: a building for the accommodation of undergraduate students, master students, doctoral students, specializing students, visiting professors and other guests, a student dormitory, a student canteen, sports arena, university library, modern computer center, construction of laboratories.
- Implementation of Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS as a credit accumulation system and as a credit transfer system,  
-Imperative for the implementation of ECTS will be mobility of students in order the students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge at other universities who are signatories of the European Magna Carta
- Internationalization and integration of our University in all European university forums, i.e. in contemporary universities’ family. In this context, the cooperation with universities in the region and beyond has tripled.
- Enhancement of scientific-research work despite the academic one, will give a boost to the dimensioning of academic process that takes place at the university.  
-Offer and development of E-learning - learning via the Internet, electronic audio books, will increase the quality of teaching and learning
- Putting into operation the audio-visual gadgets already provided, in order to implement the method of "distance learning" with which the students in special classrooms will be able to attend lectures from distance  
- Completion of academic facilities and equipping of laboratories with the most modern equipment,
- Development and implementation of multiple projects within Institutes which represent integral unit of the University such as Institute of Ecology and Technology, Institute of Albanian Language and Culture "Josif Bageri" etc.
Intensive connection with European educational and research programs (TEMPUS, DAAD, USAID, SOROS, NATO, EU, Embassies of different countries) are priorities drawn up with the University Strategy.
- Dispersion of study programs in other cities, a process that will be compatible with those of high schools, with the sole purpose for the studies to be closer to the students.
The work and achievement level of the work done so far makes us feel proud, but also to be more vigilant in undertaking activities that will orient the university toward contemporary academic institutions. The Rectorate and the academic staff, first of all, bear historical responsibility for creating new systems of values, especially in education, science and culture which repres

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Daily Mail: "Macedonia's Beautiful Scenery and History is Attracting More Visitors"

Great surprises in the ancient land of Alexander: Macedonia's magnificent scenery and intriguing history are beginning to attract visitors

  •  Soviet gloom has long been banished in Macedonia and tourism is on the rise
  •  It boasts excellent sporting facilities and has fascinating archaeological sites
  •  Beautiful Lake Ohri has it all, from pure spring water to precious icons
Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and St Paul were among those to stride its paved highways in ancient times; much of its artwork and architecture can rival any in Europe, while the sandy shores of its magnificent inland lake beat many a seaside resort.
Welcome to Macedonia. Landlocked by Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece, the country may have a turbulent past. But after centuries of invasions and border disputes, it became an independent state in 1991. With Soviet gloom banished, the magnificent scenery, excellent sporting facilities, intriguing history and archaeological sites are beginning to attract visitors.
On our journey to Lake Ohrid, the diamond in this country of many treasures, we crossed part of the ancient Via Egnatia, one of the great Roman military roads of the ancient world – a 696-mile link between Macedonia and Istanbul. Much of the route fell into disuse but some sections are now a walking trail.
With Soviet gloom banished, the magnificent scenery, excellent sporting facilities, intriguing history and archaeological sites of Macedonia are beginning to attract visitors
This ancient and modern link threaded through our journey. Our accommodation included two nights in mountain monasteries – St Joakim Osogovski near the Bulgarian border in the east, founded in the 12th Century with its great collection of frescos; and St Jovan Bigorski, near the Albanian border in the west.
Straddling the Albanian border further south, beautiful Lake Ohrid has it all – pure spring water, some of the country’s most precious icons and, supposedly, a church for each day of the year. Ohrid town, a blend of cobbled old quarter and modern resort, has sandy beaches, lakeside walks and waterside restaurants. It’s blissfully relaxing.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Vogue: "6 Non-Touristy Balkans Destinations That Should Top Your 2017 Travel Lists"

Vogue : "6 non-Touristy Balkans Destinations That Should Top Your 2017 Travel Lists"

6 Non-Touristy Balkans Destinations That Should Top Your 2017 Travel Lists


Sveti Jovan Kaneo Church on Lake Ohrid in Macedonia
Photo: Alamy
Topping most travel lists is an island-hopping escapade through Croatia and Montenegro, as both countries offer a slew of stunning coastlines and Old World charm where cobblestoned streets and castles prove common. But unbeknownst to most, these countries are just the outset of exploration into the Balkans region, home to a number of culturally vibrant and naturally impressive countries where you won’t run into troves of tourists: You can dine alfresco at family-run, waterfront restaurants, and you don’t have to dodge selfie sticks while enjoying castle-top views. Here, discover six destinations in the Balkans you need to visit now.
OHRID, MACEDONIA
Locals stroll along a cobblestoned walkway, canoes drift in the lake’s oscillating waters, and a choir practices on the Church of St. Sophia steps as dusk begins to set: Welcome to Ohrid, Macedonia, an utterly perfect town full of Old World charm, set on the banks of brilliant Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits at the intersection of three national parks, attracting hikers, bikers, and climbers to town, as well as those in search of a holiday, and it’s also the perfect place to enjoy Macedonia’s flourishing wine harvest. Stay in one of Ohrid’s many lakefront properties like Hotel Tino, or opt inland at Villa St. Sophia or Vila Mal Sveti Kliment. Wander Ohrid’s old town: Pass homes decorated with bougainvillea, flower pots, and ivy until you reach Kaneo Beach, home to family-run Restaurant Kaj Kanevche. End the night at Jazz Inn, a dive-bar-meets-live-music venue where locals convene. Visit Ohrid’s most photographed landmark, Church of St. John at Kaneo, and view the city from atop Samuel’s Fortress. For scenic views, take a drive through National Park Galičica to neighboring Lake Prespa, and enjoy an evening boat cruise to Restaurant Ostrovo set near the Black Drim River and the Monastery of Saint Naum.
PRIZREN, KOSOVO
In Kosovo, Prizren stands as the country’s beacon of creativity, set at the base of the Sharr Mountains along the river Bistrica and host to rich Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Visit during August when the city hosts DokuFest, the largest film festival in all of Kosovo, featuring live music sets, photo exhibitions, and screenings of more than 200 films from around the world. Stay at Hotel Kacinari or Hotel Centrum Prizren, and to get the most of both city and country life, tour the area with Butterfly Outdoor Adventure and Airtour: Begin with an interactive workshop at a local filigree factory, dine on kebabs near Prizren’s Stone Bridge at Te Syla, and venture uphill to the Prizren Fortress, which offers the perfect view of bustling Prizren from above. Head into nature on a hike to Struzha, where you can stay at a traditional guesthouse and enjoy a campfire and local meal before completing a cross-country hike from Kosovo to Macedonia, summiting Scarpa Peak and passing Kara Nikolla Lake along the way.
BELGRADE, SERBIA
As one of the most culturally vibrant cities in all of Europe, Belgrade is a capital where past and present merge into a beautifully bold, chaotically contemplative sprawl. Here, along the Danube and Sava Rivers, you can find more than two hundred floating bars, clubs, and restaurants, known locally as splavovi. Along the Sava, dine at Beton Hala, a former warehouse, home to minimalist Comunale Cafee e Cucina, Cantina de Frida, and Ambar, where chef Bojan Bocvarov serves a Balkan spread of grilled meat, local wine, and rakia, a liquor made from fermented fruit—a true staple throughout the Balkans. During a visit, opt for a stay at Square Nine Hotel Belgrade to explore the city’s many neighborhoods, including the old world Dorćol and the trendy Savamala, home to Belgrade’s newest art galleries and cultural centers. Visit one of the city’s permanent green markets to shop for fresh, local delicacies, and drop by Mikser House and KC Grad, two outposts turning the Savamala neighborhood into the city’s burgeoning cultural district.
TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
Famous for its medieval towns and the illustrious tale of Dracula, the Transylvania region of Romania is more than its legend and lore. Explore Transylvania’s cultural heritage while biking its most beautiful natural areas with Ciclismo Classico. Stay at the restored, Renaissance-styled Castle Hotel Daniel, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Biertan, and savor Romania’s bounty during a cheese tasting at the Bio Mosna organic farm. Explore old towers and lively town squares and walk the Bridge of Lies while in Sibiu, one of Romania’s most beautiful cities and one of seven medieval citadels built by the Transylvanian Saxons. Sibiu is also home to Astra National Museum Complex, one of the largest open-air museums in Central and Eastern Europe. Continue your exploration of Transylvania in Brasov to view Saxon bastions and the Gothic-style Black Church, ending with a 15-mile climb on the Transfăgărășan alpine road to Bâlea Lake.
HIMARË, ALBANIA
On the Albanian Riviera, the sleepy town of Himarë awaits: Situated on the Ionian Sea and an accessible base point to sparsely visited alcoves like Gjipea Beach and Grama Bay, this town offers dramatic scenery you won’t tire of. The Ceraunian Mountains serve as the backdrop to crystal-clear beaches, and local outfitters like Zbulo deliver travelers to the nearby Llogara National Park, a stomping ground for those seeking to hike and cycle in the wild and spot indigenous species like native wolves, wildcats, and eagles. During a visit, meander up and down the Southern Albanian Coast, opting for a stay at Drymades Inn in Dhermi or Jaroal Hotel in Saranda. Roam the streets of Himarë to find a café that calls to you, and don’t miss a chance to dine at Veranda in neighboring Qeparo, where you can enjoy a homemade meal alfresco, underneath a blanket of shade trees and ivy.
HERZEGOVINA REGION, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The Herzegovina region—located in the southern 20 percent of Bosnia and Herzegovina—is a gourmand and oenophile haven with myriad organic, homegrown food purveyors and wine producers all pioneering the Slow Food movement in the area. During a visit, book a holiday with Black Mountain, where you can stay at a rural, family-run estate and farm like Marica Gaj. Here, you can cook traditional meals while drinking the property’s very own wine. Stop by the stunning waterfalls of Kravice on the Trebižat River before arriving to Mostar: Walk amongst millhouse restaurants to the Stari Most, arguably the most famous bridges in all of the Balkans, which crosses Neretva River, connecting both sides of town. Sip a classic Turkish coffee before heading to Blagaj, one of the most beautiful village monasteries in Herzegovina and a source of the river Buna. Venturing further south, visit Stanica Ravno, a boutique hotel and winery converted from an old railway station, continuing to Vukoje Winery, a winery with sweeping views of the historic town of Trebinje. End your journey at Stara Hercegovina Restaurant, where you can try your hand at making prijesnac, a Serbian cheese soufflé made of eggs and cheese

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Macedonia Elections 2016: Profile :: Balkan Insight

Macedonia Elections 2016: Profile :: Balkan Insight

Early Parliamentary Elections in Macedonia: Sunday, December 11

There will be parliamentary elections in Macedonia on Sunday, December 11th.

I am disappointed that we won't be there in time for these parliamentary elections, although we will be there for the local elections to be held in March.

Click here for the Balkan Insight election profile:

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-elections-2016-profile-11-21-2016

Click here for more information from IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems) about the parliamentary elections in Macedonia:

http://www.ifes.org/faqs/elections-macedonia-2016-parliamentary-elections

Elections in Macedonia: 2016 Parliamentary Elections

Elections in Macedonia: 2016 Parliamentary Elections Featured Image
Publication Date: 
8 Dec 2016
On December 11, Macedonians will vote for their members of Parliament. Of the 123 seats in the Parliament, 120 are elected from six 20-seat constituencies in Macedonia using closed list proportional representation. The remaining three seats are single-member constituencies representing Macedonians living abroad and are elected by a first-past-the-post system.
To help you understand this important electoral process, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Elections in Macedonia: 2016 Parliamentary Elections. IFES FAQs include:
  • Are there reserved seats for women? What is the gender balance within the candidate list?
  • What is the election management body? What are its powers?
  • How will voters with disabilities cast their ballots?
  • Who will observe during Election Day? How can they get accreditation?
From the IFES FAQ sheet on the elections:

What is the structure of the government?
The Macedonian government is made up of between 120 and 123 members of Parliament. The seats in Parliament are divided according to the d’Hondt method.The current government is made up of six parties and coalitions who are represented in Parliament.
Currently, the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization– Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity has 61 seats and the Democratic Union for Integration has 19 seats,and the two together form the current government.. The opposition consists of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia with 34 seats, the Democratic Party of Albanians with seven seats, the National Democratic Revival with one seat, and the Citizens Option for Macedonia with one seat.
Are there reserved seats for women? What is the gender balance within the candidate list?
Yes, there is a quota system in Macedonia. The quota calls for at least 40
percent of the candidates lists to be women. Currently, 41 percent of the candidates are female. However, only four women are at the top of their lists
 ore than 1.7 million people are eligible to vote for 123 legislators in six electoral districts. Three legislators will be elected from the diaspora.

This is the ninth general election since Macedonia became independent in the 1990s and the forth early election in a row.

How many can vote?

More than 1.7 million people of a total population of about 2.2 million are eligible to cast their ballot in the election.

What is at stake?

The election comes amid a prolonged and deep political crisis centering on the opposition's claim that Nikola Gruevski, the former Prime Minister and head of the main ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, is behind a mass illegal wiretapping; an allegation which he denies.

In February 2015, the opposition began releasing batches of covertly recorded tapes, which it claims shows that the VMRO-DPMNE-led government was behind the illegal surveillance of some 20,000 people. Among those secretly recorded were: ministers, politicians from the ruling and opposition parties, businessmen, journalists, scholars and activists.

The opposition has also claimed the tapes provide evidence that several top members of government and their associates were involved in serious illegal schemes including: rigging general and presidential elections in 2014; manipulating the justice system; intimidating and controlling the media; and, shockingly, covering up the murder of a young man by a police officer.

The upcoming election follows two years of large anti-government protests —  attended by tens of thousands of people at their peak —  sparked by the release of the tapes.

Two election dates were postponed by parliament earlier this year. The third attempt, scheduled for December, follows the signing of an EU-backed ‘renewed crisis agreement’ signed by all parties in the summer. The agreement put in place an interim government, including ministers from the opposition parties, and is aimed at ensuring that elections are free and fair.

Holding free elections has been included in this year's European Commission progress report on Macedonia as one of the main prerequisites for the country to be extended.

The two largest parties standing in the election are the nationalist centre-right VMRO DPMNE, which has been in power since 2006 and whose leaders claim the crisis has been imposed by unnamed foreign services trying to destabilize the country, and the Social Democrats, SDSM, which has pledged to improve democratic standards, reform the country economically and tackle high-level corruption, and social injustice.

A third bloc of smaller centre-right opposition parties may also take a small chunk of the VMRO DPMNE's traditional voters.

The ethnic Albanian vote could also be significant in determining the next government. Ethnic Albanians make up around a quarter of Macedonia’s population and the party that wins their vote normally sits as a coalition partner in the government, potentially making them a kingmaker if the result is tight.

The Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, will this time face a serious challenge to keep supremacy among Albanian voters. Apart from its traditional rival, the opposition Democratic Party of Albanians, DPA, it will also have to confront several newly formed Albanian opposition parties like BESA and the DPA - Movement for Reforms.

For the first time since Macedonia's independence, the opposition Social Democrats have also set their sights on winning Albanian votes with pledges to tackle social inequality.

The election result will also likely determine whether the allegations relating to the wiretapped recordings are ever fully investigated, and the speed at which any investigations move forward.

Most of the allegations resulting from the tapes concern members of the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party including the current president. At present Grueski is under investigation by the Special Prosecution, SJO — which was formed last year as part of the EU sponsored political crisis agreement —   and has already been charged in one case.

This year the ruling party accused the SJO of being unprofessional and biased. In contrast the SDSM have said if they win the election they will speed up investigations and remove obstacles they claim are imposed by the ruling party.

Yet, despite the radically different stands on the subject of SJO, under international pressure all political parties have made guarantees that they will ensure its continues to work after the elections.

Although the dispute with Greece over Macedonia’s name remains a significant foreign policy issue it is not expected to play as significant a role in election campaigning. Since 2008, Macedonia has made no significant progress towards NATO and EU membership, in part because of the dispute with Greece over the country’s name.

Macedonia’s dilemma is either to reach an unpopular deal with Greece or risk a longer stalemate that could damage the country’s economic and political future.

The prime minister:

The prime minister is the most powerful office holder in Macedonia. While the president wields considerable influence over foreign policy and the armed forces, the prime minister handles the appointment of ministers and most of the day-to-day running of the country.

As the head of the government the prime minister is elected by parliament and is ultimately responsible for all its policy and decisions. However, the president still has the executive power to refuse to sign laws even if they have been approved by parliament.

The voting system:

For general elections, the country is divided into six electoral units, each contributing 20 legislators to the 123-seat parliament. Since 2011 diaspora Macedonians also have had the right to vote, and elect three MPs.

The parties each propose a list of 20 candidates in each of the six electoral units. The more votes a party wins in a district, the more candidates from that list enter parliament. The legislators’ term lasts for four years.

General elections:

This is the eighth general election since Macedonia became independent in the 1990s and the third early election in a row.

Most opinion polls give the ruling VMRO-DPMNE a significant lead over the main opposition Social Democrats. However, some political observers say a surprise result may still possible if the opposition manages to mobilise undecided ‘swing’ voters, many of whom are generally disappointed with all existing political options.

Polls show that the governing DUI has most chance of coming first among Albanian voters. - See more at: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-elections-2016-profile-11-21-2016#sthash.awID7rnq.dpuf

 More than 1.7 million people are eligible to vote for 123 legislators in six electoral districts. Three legislators will be elected from the diaspora.


This is the ninth general election since Macedonia became independent in the 1990s and the forth early election in a row.

How many can vote?

More than 1.7 million people of a total population of about 2.2 million are eligible to cast their ballot in the election.

What is at stake?

The election comes amid a prolonged and deep political crisis centering on the opposition's claim that Nikola Gruevski, the former Prime Minister and head of the main ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, is behind a mass illegal wiretapping; an allegation which he denies.

In February 2015, the opposition began releasing batches of covertly recorded tapes, which it claims shows that the VMRO-DPMNE-led government was behind the illegal surveillance of some 20,000 people. Among those secretly recorded were: ministers, politicians from the ruling and opposition parties, businessmen, journalists, scholars and activists.

The opposition has also claimed the tapes provide evidence that several top members of government and their associates were involved in serious illegal schemes including: rigging general and presidential elections in 2014; manipulating the justice system; intimidating and controlling the media; and, shockingly, covering up the murder of a young man by a police officer.

The upcoming election follows two years of large anti-government protests —  attended by tens of thousands of people at their peak —  sparked by the release of the tapes.

Two election dates were postponed by parliament earlier this year. The third attempt, scheduled for December, follows the signing of an EU-backed ‘renewed crisis agreement’ signed by all parties in the summer. The agreement put in place an interim government, including ministers from the opposition parties, and is aimed at ensuring that elections are free and fair.

Holding free elections has been included in this year's European Commission progress report on Macedonia as one of the main prerequisites for the country to be extended.

The two largest parties standing in the election are the nationalist centre-right VMRO DPMNE, which has been in power since 2006 and whose leaders claim the crisis has been imposed by unnamed foreign services trying to destabilize the country, and the Social Democrats, SDSM, which has pledged to improve democratic standards, reform the country economically and tackle high-level corruption, and social injustice.

A third bloc of smaller centre-right opposition parties may also take a small chunk of the VMRO DPMNE's traditional voters.

The ethnic Albanian vote could also be significant in determining the next government. Ethnic Albanians make up around a quarter of Macedonia’s population and the party that wins their vote normally sits as a coalition partner in the government, potentially making them a kingmaker if the result is tight.

The Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, will this time face a serious challenge to keep supremacy among Albanian voters. Apart from its traditional rival, the opposition Democratic Party of Albanians, DPA, it will also have to confront several newly formed Albanian opposition parties like BESA and the DPA - Movement for Reforms.

For the first time since Macedonia's independence, the opposition Social Democrats have also set their sights on winning Albanian votes with pledges to tackle social inequality.

The election result will also likely determine whether the allegations relating to the wiretapped recordings are ever fully investigated, and the speed at which any investigations move forward.

Most of the allegations resulting from the tapes concern members of the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party including the current president. At present Grueski is under investigation by the Special Prosecution, SJO — which was formed last year as part of the EU sponsored political crisis agreement —   and has already been charged in one case.

This year the ruling party accused the SJO of being unprofessional and biased. In contrast the SDSM have said if they win the election they will speed up investigations and remove obstacles they claim are imposed by the ruling party.

Yet, despite the radically different stands on the subject of SJO, under international pressure all political parties have made guarantees that they will ensure its continues to work after the elections.

Although the dispute with Greece over Macedonia’s name remains a significant foreign policy issue it is not expected to play as significant a role in election campaigning. Since 2008, Macedonia has made no significant progress towards NATO and EU membership, in part because of the dispute with Greece over the country’s name.

Macedonia’s dilemma is either to reach an unpopular deal with Greece or risk a longer stalemate that could damage the country’s economic and political future.

The prime minister:

The prime minister is the most powerful office holder in Macedonia. While the president wields considerable influence over foreign policy and the armed forces, the prime minister handles the appointment of ministers and most of the day-to-day running of the country.

As the head of the government the prime minister is elected by parliament and is ultimately responsible for all its policy and decisions. However, the president still has the executive power to refuse to sign laws even if they have been approved by parliament.

The voting system:

For general elections, the country is divided into six electoral units, each contributing 20 legislators to the 123-seat parliament. Since 2011 diaspora Macedonians also have had the right to vote, and elect three MPs.

The parties each propose a list of 20 candidates in each of the six electoral units. The more votes a party wins in a district, the more candidates from that list enter parliament. The legislators’ term lasts for four years.

General elections:

This is the eighth general election since Macedonia became independent in the 1990s and the third early election in a row.

Most opinion polls give the ruling VMRO-DPMNE a significant lead over the main opposition Social Democrats. However, some political observers say a surprise result may still possible if the opposition manages to mobilise undecided ‘swing’ voters, many of whom are generally disappointed with all existing political options.

Polls show that the governing DUI has most chance of coming first among Albanian voters. - See more at: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-elections-2016-profile-11-21-2016#sthash.awID7rnq.dpuf

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/12/10/4-parties-contending-in-sunday-elections-in-macedonia.html

 4 parties contending in Sunday's elections in Macedonia

  • A man walks past election posters of the ruing VMRO-DPMNE party, set on a fence along a street in Macedonia's capital Skopje, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Eleven political parties and coalitions in Macedonia are ending their campaigns ahead of general elections on Sunday. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)
    A man walks past election posters of the ruing VMRO-DPMNE party, set on a fence along a street in Macedonia's capital Skopje, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Eleven political parties and coalitions in Macedonia are ending their campaigns ahead of general elections on Sunday. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)  (The Associated Press)
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Sunday's early parliamentary election in Macedonia, held in the shadow of a massive wiretapping scandal, pits the governing conservatives against the left-wing main opposition. Two smaller players, both representing the country's ethnic Albanian minority, might prove key for either main party in forming a government. Here's a profile of the four main party leaders.

NIKOLA GRUEVSKI
A conservative with populist and nationalist leanings, Gruevski, 46, heads the VMRO-DPMNE party and has governed Macedonia for the past decade. He stepped down as prime minister in January, under a Western-brokered deal to defuse one of the worst political crises since Macedonia gained independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991. Opposition parties accuse Gruevski of orchestrating an illegal wiretapping operation that targeted 20,000 people, including judges, politicians, police, journalists and religious leaders. Gruevski, the leader of VMRO-DPMNE since 2003, denies any wrongdoing and claims foreign spies were behind the wiretaps. His party is leading in opinion polls.

ZORAN ZAEV
The 42-year-old mayor of Strumica, a town of about 50,000 near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, has led the Social-Democratic Alliance for Macedonia, or SDSM, since 2013. He has described the forthcoming election as "a choice between doom and life," and accuses the conservative government of fostering corruption and social injustice. Last year, Zaev released copies of dozens of illegally tapped phone calls that he said showed involvement by Gruevski and his top aides in multimillion-dollar corruption deals, tampering with election results and bringing spurious criminal prosecutions against opponents.

ALI AHMETI
Ahmeti is a former military commander of an ethnic Albanian insurgent force that fought government troops for six months in 2001, before a peace deal granted more rights to the minority that forms about a quarter of Macedonia's 2.1 million residents. Ahmeti's party, the center-left Democratic Union for Integrations, emerged from the guerrilla campaign and has governed as a junior coalition partner with Gruevski's conservatives since 2008. Polls suggest that DUI leading against the other main party representing the ethnic Albanian minority.

MENDUH THACI
A strong advocate of more rights for the ethnic Albanian minority, Thaci has held senior positions in the Democratic Party of Albanians, or DPA, for almost two decades. The center-right party served as a junior coalition partner for a VMRO-DPMNE government in 2006-2008.


Macedonia to hold early vote after corruption allegations

KONSTANTIN TESTORIDES
Associated Press
https://www.yahoo.com/news/macedonia-hold-early-vote-corruption-allegations-115955926.html



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In this picture taken Nov. 21, 2016, a man works on a pole, beside an electoral poster of Ali Ahmeti, head of the ethnic Albanian party DUI and a partner in the country's ruling coalition, displayed on a street in Skopje. Macedonia heads to early general elections this weekend after the most divisive and vicious political campaign in the country's brief history of independence, following a nearly two-year political crisis that roiled the government and threatened the country's ambitions of joining NATO and the European Union. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)
SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — Macedonia is holding an early general election after a nearly two-year political crisis that has roiled the government and threatens the Balkan nation's ambitions of joining NATO and the European Union.
Sunday's vote was called as part of a deal to address the crisis, which was sparked by opposition reports that the government was behind a large-scale illegal wiretapping operation that targeted 20,000 people, including politicians, judges, journalists, police and religious leaders.
Over several months, opposition leader Zoran Zaev released audio of dozens of wiretapped phone conversations that he said indicated former conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his aides were involved in multimillion-dollar corruption deals, tampered with election results and brought spurious criminal prosecutions against opponents.
The conservatives vehemently rejected the charges, saying the wiretaps were conducted by unnamed foreign spies and accusing Zaev of plotting a coup.
Gruevski is under investigation by the country's Special Prosecution branch and has already been charged with enticement and carrying out a criminal act against public order.
The scandal led to months of street protests and has been the worst political crisis in Macedonia, which gained independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, since the country survived an ethnic conflict between government forces and members of the ethnic Albanian minority in 2001.
Gruevski, who had headed the government since 2006, stepped down earlier this year as part of a Western-brokered deal to defuse the crisis.
The agreement included holding early elections, which have been postponed twice so far. Signed by the heads of the country's four main political parties, the deal created an interim government that lead Macedonia to the early vote and established a special prosecution office to examine the wiretap scandal.
Nearly 1.8 million registered voters are eligible to choose 123 lawmakers for the unicameral parliament. In all, six political parties and five coalitions are running, while three parliamentary seats are reserved for the diaspora.
Gruevski, 46, heads a 25-party coalition titled "For a Better Macedonia" and is seeking a secure majority of 63 seats by promising 70,000 new jobs and decreasing the unemployment rate from 24 percent to 17 percent. He blames the opposition and others for creating the political crisis.
"Millions of euros have been invested in this scenario and the campaign of the opposition," Gruevski told supporters in the capital of Skopje. "They do not think of your well-being or that of the country."
Running against him is the 42-year-old Zaev, who heads a left-leaning coalition called "For Life in Macedonia." He has described the election as "a choice between doom and life" and accuses the conservative government of massive theft, social injustice and corruption.
"Gruevski understands what is good for himself only, not what is good for the people," he said.
Ethnic Albanians, meanwhile, comprise a quarter of Macedonia's 2 million people, and their vote has a considerable influence on the forming of a new government.
An ethnic Albanian political party that emerged from former guerrilla fighters, Democratic Union for Integrations, and the Democratic Party of Albanians are the main contenders among the ethnic minority. 
"Final Rallies Take Place Ahead of Elections" 
SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — Eleven political parties and coalitions in Macedonia are holding final rallies ahead of general elections called to defuse a nearly two-year political crisis sparked by a wiretapping scandal.
Former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski's center-right VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition will hold two rallies Friday night in the central towns of Prilep and Krusevo, while their main political rivals, a leftist coalition led by the Social Democrats will hold a rally in the capital.
The early election was part of a Western-brokered agreement to end the crisis, which emerged when the opposition accused the conservative government of an illegal wiretapping operation that targeted 20,000 people.
Nearly 1.8 million registered voters are eligible to choose 123 lawmakers for the single-chamber parliament in Sunday's vote. Three parliamentary seats are reserved for Macedonians living outside the country.