On 21 April, the leader of VMRO-DPMNE accused the government and the authorities, including the SEC, of planning to manipulate the votes in the upcoming elections. [...] Many interlocutors highlighted the need for further reforms in the media sector to enhance the viability of outlets, regulate online media, and further align the legal framework with the EU acquis with respect to strengthening the independence and capacity of the media regulator and the public broadcaster. [...] On April 1, the Left and its presidential candidate requested to assess the constitutionality of the Election Code and the legality of the AAVMS regulation, and to suspend the implementation of the latter. [...] The final assessment of the elections will depend, in part, on the conduct of the remaining stages of the electoral process, including the count, tabulation and announcement of results, and the handling of possible post- election day complaints or appeals. [...] The observers wish to thank the authorities for their invitation to observe the elections, and the State Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia for the assistance.
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- Finland