Voting of the Macedonian Diaspora in the Parliamentary Elections in Republic of Macedonia

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Subject of research

1.2 Purpose of the research

1.3 Research questions and methods of research

1.5 Structure of the master thesis

2 EVOLUTION OF THE ELECTION POLICY IN RM: FROM ITS INDEPENDENCE UNTIL TODAY

2.1. Referendum on independence

2.2 Creating the election policy in independent Macedonia

2.3 Macedonian diaspora

3. LEGAL FRAME OF THE ELECTIONS IN RM

3.1 Legal acts in Republic of Macedonia

3.1.1 Constitution of Republic of Macedonia

3.1.2 Electoral code

3.1.3 Other laws

3.2 International acts

4 FIVE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND VOTING OF THE MACEDONIAN DIASPORA

4.1 Universal Suffrage

4.2 EQUAL SUFFRAGE

4.2.1 Equal voting rights and equal voting power

4.2.2 Equal rights for parties and candidates

4.3 Free suffrage

4.4 VOTING OF THE DIASPORA OF CROATIA AND SLOVENIA

4.4.1 CROATIA

4.4.2 SLOVENIA

Objectives and Scope

This master's thesis analyzes the legal framework and implementation of parliamentary voting for the Macedonian diaspora, evaluating whether the current election policy adheres to the five democratic principles of suffrage. The research aims to identify potential inequalities between domicile voters and those residing abroad by comparing Macedonia's experience with the models used in Croatia and Slovenia.

• Examination of the legal requirements and procedures for external voting in the Republic of Macedonia.
• Evaluation of the five core democratic principles: equality, universality, freedom, secrecy, and directness in the context of diaspora voting.
• Comparative analysis of election practices in Macedonia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
• Identification of administrative and political barriers hindering equal participation for migrants.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 INTRODUCTION: Defines the core concepts, research questions, and methodology used to analyze the electoral rights of Macedonian citizens residing abroad.

2 EVOLUTION OF THE ELECTION POLICY IN RM: FROM ITS INDEPENDENCE UNTIL TODAY: Examines the historical development of election policies in Macedonia starting from the referendum on independence and the initial involvement of the diaspora.

3. LEGAL FRAME OF THE ELECTIONS IN RM: Provides a comprehensive overview of the domestic and international legal acts that govern election processes and the right to vote.

4 FIVE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND VOTING OF THE MACEDONIAN DIASPORA: Analyzes the implementation of universal, equal, and free suffrage, including a comparative look at the diaspora voting systems in Croatia and Slovenia.

Keywords

voting abroad, external voting, diaspora, Republic of Macedonia, voting rights, enfranchisement, electoral policy, universal suffrage, equal suffrage, free suffrage, election model, electoral law, political participation, constituency, migrant voting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this master's thesis?

The thesis focuses on the legal framework and practical implementation of parliamentary voting for the Macedonian diaspora, specifically examining whether these processes uphold democratic principles.

What are the key thematic areas addressed?

The work covers the evolution of Macedonian election policy, the legal structure governing elections, the five democratic principles of suffrage, and a comparative study of diaspora voting systems in neighboring countries.

What is the main research question of this study?

The study investigates whether the legislation of the Republic of Macedonia effectively provides equality between voters abroad and domicile voters, and how this compares to other former Yugoslavian republics.

Which research methods are employed?

The author uses a descriptive method, analysis of primary and secondary legal sources, a historical method to track evolution, and a comparative analysis of electoral processes.

What does the main part of the thesis cover?

The main sections provide a detailed analysis of the legal acts—such as the Constitution and Electoral Code—and an in-depth evaluation of how democratic principles like universal, equal, and free suffrage are applied to the diaspora.

Which keywords best describe the research?

The study is characterized by terms like external voting, diaspora, enfranchisement, electoral policy, and democratic principles of suffrage.

Why are Croatia and Slovenia included in the analysis?

These countries serve as comparative case studies because they also allow diaspora voting and share historical contexts, providing useful examples of both successes and ongoing challenges in electoral management.

How does the registration process for the diaspora impact voting?

The registration process is identified as a significant barrier, as it is often complex and lacks transparency, leading to lower participation rates compared to domicile voters.