North Macedonia Court Overturns Election Code Changes Favoring Major Parties

On May 21, 2025, North Macedonia's Constitutional Court repealed amendments to the electoral code that had significantly increased the requirements for independent candidates to participate in elections, deeming them unconstitutional.

The contested amendments, passed abruptly in March 2024 without public debate, raised the signature threshold for non-party and independent candidates from 1,000 to 1% of all registered voters in their electoral units. This change effectively made it nearly impossible for independents and grassroots movements, lacking the infrastructure and funds of major parties, to compete in elections.

The court's decision was prompted by challenges from several civil society organizations, who argued that the amendments violated constitutional principles of political pluralism and equality. The ruling emphasized the need for the legislature to address the legal gap created by the repeal promptly to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights.

This judgment is seen as a victory for democratic participation in North Macedonia, reaffirming the importance of equal opportunities for all citizens to engage in the electoral process, regardless of their affiliation with established political parties.