Macedonia Opposition to Boycott June Elections

The leader of the opposition Social Democrats, SDSM , Zoran Zaev, said his party will not participate in the early elections set for June 5, insisting that key reforms, including those in the media to ensure objective election coverage, as well as cleaning up the electoral roll, had not been achieved.

"Without free elections there is no freedom. One person, one ballot. This principle was to be secured with the [EU-brokered] Przino agreement. [Ruling VMRO DPMNE leader] Nikola Gruevski is breaching this agreement," Zaev told a press conference late Wednesday night.

"We remain true to our word. In the name of democracy, the Social Democrats will not participate in these phony elections," he added.

He spoke after Macedonia's parliament was dissolved on Wednesday night with only the ruling parties present, paving the way for early elections likely on June 5.

"We stay by our demand for a clean electoral roll and regulation of the media. That is the basis for free and democratic elections in Macedonia. There are always ways to fight for democracy and freedom," Zaev said, hinting at possible opposition street protests once again.

The ruling VMRO DPMNE party was silent. But the party's HQ in central Skopje held a celebratory event, with the party hymn being played repeatedly. Cars displaying party flags filled with people in celebratory mood cruised the city centre.

"Parliament has dissolved. Macedonia will vote. The citizens will win!" VMRO DPMNE MP Ilija Dimovski declared.

The parliamentary majority proceeded to dissolve the assembly without verifying the tendered resignations of opposition ministers in the interim government. 

The Social Democrat ministers for Interior and for Labour, as well as three...