Current political developments in the Republic of ... EN.pdf · Current political developments in...

Qualitative research:

Current political developments in the

Republic of Macedonia

- September, 2016 -

September, 2016 1

Contents

2

А Methodology 3

B Is Macedonia moving in the right or wrong

direction?

9

1 Topic 1 – Expectations from the new government 12

2 Topic 2 - PERSONIFICATION OF PARTIES 21

3 Topic 3 - Multiethnic policies 27

4 Topic 4 - Special Prosecution Office (SPO) 31

5 Topic 5 - State Election Commission (SEC) 38

6 Recommendations to parties and the new

post electoral government

48

7 SUMMARY 51

8 Attachment - Mini Survey 54

А Methodology

3

Methodology

UNIVERSUM (TARGET GROUP):

SIZE OF SAMPLE

METHOD: FOCUS GROUPS

FIELD WORK

Politically undecided citizens First phase – recruitment

Second phase– focus group:

Moderator, discussion guide and participants

of the discussion

ТV monitoring – watching the focus group

Bitola 15 09 2016 – Macedonians

Tetovo 16 09 2016 – Albanian

Strumica 19 09 2016 – Macedonians

Shtip 20 09 2016 – Macedonians

Kumanovo 22 09 2016 Mac.- Alb

Skopje 23 09 2016 Mac.- Alb.

The focus groups were video and audio

recorded, transcripts and appropriate

qualitative analysis were made.

Data (answers) from the mini survey

were entered in a unique SPPS

database and an appropriate statistical

analysis was conducted.

N= 6 focus groups

(Each group consists of 8 participants)

RESEARCH TEAM 3 moderators

1 interpreter

2 technical support

1 pollster coordinator

12 recruitment pollsters

5 BRIMA representatives in the

analytical team

4

DATA ANALYSIS

5

Presentations are envisaged (in agreement with NDI)

PRESENTATIONS OF FINDINGS:

DISCUSSION GUIDE:

The discussion guide has been prepared

jointly by NDI and BRIMA

Transcripts from focus groups – WORD file

Analytical reports – WORD file (Macedonian and English)

Oral presentation – PPT format file (Macedonian and English)

CDs with recorded focus groups

DELIVERABLES:

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

In-house studio (in Skopje) mobile

equipment for video/ audio recording,

simultaneous interpretation, signal mixings (in

other towns)

Methodology

6

Skopje

- 4 men

- 4 women

Tetovo

-4 men

-4 women

Bitola

-4 men

-4 women

Kumanovo

-4 men

-4 women

Shtip

-3 men

-5 women

Strumica

- 4 men

- 4 women

Methodology– composition of focus groups

SHTIP

1. (Mac) woman 37 HSDG unemployed

2. (Mac) woman 62 DipHE pensioner

3. (Mac) woman 22 HSDG student

4. (Mac) woman34 DipHE unemployed

5. (Roma) man 54 HSDG employed

6. (Mac) man 40 HSDG employed

7. (Mac) man 27 DipHE postgraduate

8. (Mac) woman 55 Pr.Ed. unemployed

BITOLA

1 (Mac) man 38 DipHE employed

2. (Roma) man 35 HSDG unemployed

3. (Mac) woman 69 Pr. Ed.. pensioner

4. (Mac) woman 54 HSDG unemployed

5. (Mac) woman 48 DipHE unemployed

6. (Mac) woman 34 HSDG employed

7. (Mac) man 21 HSDG student

8. (Mac) man 35 DipHE unemployed

KUMANOVO

1. (Mac) man 40, HSDG employed

2. (Mac) man 56, DipHE employed

3. (Mac) woman30, DipHE employed

4. (Mac) woman38, DipHE unemployed

5. (Alb) man 46, DipHE employed

6. (Alb) woman 21, HSDG student

7. (Alb) woman34, HSDG unemployed

8. (Alb) man 64, DipHE pensioner

SKOPJE

1. (Mac) woman 24 DipHE

unemployed

2. (Alb) woman 61 HSDG pensioner

3. (Mac) woman 47 HSDG employed

4. (Mac) man 62 DipHE employed

5. (Alb) man 48 DipHE employed

6. (Alb) man 22 HSDG student

7. (Alb) woman 48 HSDG unemployed

8. (Mac) man 54 DipHE unemployed

STRUMICA

1.(Mac) woman 64 HSDG pensioner


3. (Mac) woman 22 HSDG student




7. (Mac) man 24 DipHE пpostgraduate


TETOVO

1 (Alb) man 45 HSDG employed

2. (Alb) man 46 DipHE employed

3. (Alb) man 55 HSDG unemployed

4. (Alb) man 65 DipHE pensioner

5. (Alb) woman 56 HSDG

unemployed

6. (Alb) woman20 HSDG student

7. (Alb) woman 24 DipHE employed

8. (Alb) woman 50 HSDG

unemployed

7

In the period before and during the focus groups, the following factors that

influenced the perception of the social-economic and political climate can be singled

out: An agreement was reached among the parties for early elections to be held on

December 11, 2016

Election of an interim government

30,000 contested voters were removed from the Voters’ List

Discussions about the difference in the number of voters in the electoral districts

SPО’s second report was submitted to the Assembly and discussed at the

responsible Committee on the political system and inter-ethnic relations

The Special Prosecutor’s Office submitted three requests to the Assembly with the

purpose of making the SPO’s work easier

The first two indictments were initiated by the SPO: the first indictment relates to

illegal destruction of the wiretapping equipment, while the second relates to the

ordered violence upon the mayor of the Municipality of Center

Debates in the public about the problems with selling farmers’ produce

Debates about the adoption of the 2017 budget

CONTEXT

B Is Macedonia moving in the right or wrong

direction?

8

9

unemployment

Is Macedonia moving in the right or wrong direction?

NA = Not Active

- - Wrong

+/- Neither

++ Right

Macedonia

2

73

12

12

NA

- -

+/-

++

FG direction of the country

Macedonia

10

78

8

4

NA

- -

+/-

++

Mini survey situation in the country

Factors influencing perceptions:

MAIN FINDINGS

• Dominant perception – wrong direction which is consistent with the grade of the mini survey – it is a hard living * (results in attachment 1)

• The generators of dissatisfaction are creating a feeling of being without perspective and without hope

• The accumulated social-economic dissatisfaction in a long period is connected to the general dissatisfaction by the political elite

• There are no significant differences in the perception of the wrong direction on ethnic basis (М = 70% ; А = 75%)

emigration low standard of living

Triangle of

dissatisfaction

10

0

7(6M, 1R)

1

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

5(3M,2A)

2(A)

1(M)

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

4(2A, 2M)

0

4(2A, 2M)

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

8

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

3

3

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

Almost all participants think that Macedonia

is moving in the wrong direction.

Main reasons: standard of living, low

salaries and emigration of youth.

Participants’ statements: - ...Macedonia lacks one main road towards the

future, not alleys...

- ...young people..are gone...

- ...when young people are leaving, they want to

take Bulgarian passports, and go out of

Macedonia, it is not good here...

- ...the standards are high and the salaries are

low...

BITOLA

All participants think that Macedonia is

moving in the wrong direction.

Main reasons: unemployment and

emigration

Participants’ statements:

- ...on TV they say it is good, but ask people,

everyone is unemployed...

- ...the current situation is very bad...

- ...every second home is politicized, it is sad....

- ...the situation is not great, we see it on the

media, a lot of people have emigrated...

KUMANOVO

Divided opinions of participants, but the

negative attitude prevails.

Main reasons: unemployment and high level

of partisanship


- ...we are still standing still, and the politics is to

blame...

- ...the ones and the others are only interested in

their personal …, party interests...

- ...it is not good, everything is worsening, I am

unemployed, my husband does not work,

catastrophe...

SKOPJE

Participants’ opinions divided between “right

direction“ and “wrong direction“.


- ...we are moving better in relation to the other

countries...

- ...we are going into an abyss, we are acting as we

are working...

- ...as a young student, I can hardly see my future

here in Macedonia...

- ...yes, yes, in a positive direction, but more time is

needed...

STRUMICA

Opinions divided between “wrong direction“

and “neither right nor wrong“.

Participants’ statements: - ...at the moment I think it is stagnant, it has

moved one step forward and one step backward..

- ...despite the fact that I have not felt progress

from the state, I have not seen any progress...

- ...it moves backwards, the standard is going

down all the time. The youth has been emigrating

slowly, slowly...

TETOVO

All participants think that Macedonia is

moving in the wrong direction.

Main reasons: bad economic and political

situation


- ...there is no perspective for children nor for

older people here...

- ...we cannot expect anything else but chaos in

politics, there is no development in the

economy...

Is Macedonia moving in the right or wrong direction?

0

8

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

1 TOPIC 1 - Expectations from

the new government

11

12

BITOLA 8 participating

Lethargy prevails in this FG. The pessimism

resulting from accumulated dissatisfaction

from both political forces is emphasized,

only two participants have positive

expectations


- .., not to have revengeful actions, stealing and

investments in dead capital.

- ...If the government changes, it will get worse,

it the current stays on, it will be bad...(R)

-…to create conditions for employment of

people...

- …wrong people in the wrong places…

STRUMICA 8 participating

General dissatisfaction from the political

events from the past


- They will come, take everything and will leave

- Same, same again

- ...to have possibilities for employments and not to

have emigration...

- ...Same people, there is no young cadre to work...

TETOVO 8 participating

The hope is to solve existential, but also

institutional problems in the state. Only one

participant expressed resignation


- …one will leave, the other will come, I think it

will be the same …

- …an expert government...people who know

what they are doing…

- …we need to be part of the agenda of the

European Union…

- …I expect Macedonia, to be an open state,

state of the citizens…

Expectations from the new government Question: What are your expectations from the new government?

SHTIP 7 participating (6M и 1R)

Everyday problems are projected as

expectations from the new government

Participants’ statements: - ...whether it is the old government or a new

government, it will be the same...

- ...we will see, because we do not know

what will happen...

- ...I honestly think that the situation can be

improved with VMRO in power...

- ...what can I say, I have not expected

anything from the old one, and I don’t expect

anything from the new..

KUMANOVO 8 participating

The expectations are projected in the long term,

and concretely, participants want increased moral

values and ending emigration


- ...to learn people how to think differently.. (М)

- ... The future government … should learn how not to

lie... (А)

-...people who are a lot more capable should come to

power... (А)

- ... First and foremost, the emigration should be

stopped...(М)

SKOPJE 8 participating

Dissatisfaction from the current situation and

pessimism, improving the standard of living and

care for the citizens

Participants’ statements: - ...here SDSM, there VMRO, whatever we elect, we

will get the same result... (M)

- ...the salaries are very low... (M)

- ... This government should be for the people above

all, not the state above all ... (A)

- ...we are expecting a lot, however that will definitely

not happen... (A)

Main finding: expectations are focused on existential problems because the governments so

far have not succeeded in solving them

13

Main priorities: improving the standard,

opening new jobs and economic development

• improving the

standard of living

(R) (М)

• economic

development

• Education

• Judiciary(R) (М)

Bitola Tetovo Strumica Shtip Kumanovo Skopje

Expectations from the new government Question: According to you, which should be the priority problems to solve for the new Government?

• new

employments

• improving the

standard of living

• economic

development

• EU integration

• Inclusive state

• Education

• Judiciary

• new

employments

• improving the

standard of living

• economic

development

• Education

• new

employments

• Economic

development (R)

• education

• new

employments (М)

(А)

• improving the

standard of

living(М)

• economic

development (М)

(А)

• emigration(М) (А)

• new

employments (М)

(А)

• improving the

standard of

living(М)

• health

(М) (А)

• emigration(М) (А)

14

SHTIP 2 participating

The improvement of the economic situation

is fundamental for the progress of the

society


- ...these problems are the most important

because the finances are basis for all...

- ...to distribute finances, good people and good

ideas on the right places..

BITOLA 3 participating

According to the participants, education,

economy and social issues are coherent for

the development of a society

Participants’ statements: - ... Education as a foundation of a society…

- … if the economy is right, all other problems will

be solved more easily…

- …when the factories were functioning, only the

disabled people were on social welfare, now we all

are…

KUMANOVO 7 participating (4М and 3 Alb)

Criticism directed towards the manner of

governance and emphasizing the real everyday

problems


- ...after elections, the citizens are nothing... (A)

- ... – Well these are elementary… there is no life

without them... (A)

- ...if we do not prevent emigration, only pensioners

will remain...(А)

-... To have faith in people and the people to have

faith in the government...(А)

SKOPJE 7 participating (4М and 3 Alb)

Emphasizing real problems in health, economy,

education through which strong emotions of

dissatisfaction are manifested


- ...There is no money, we cannot live on a salary of

ten thousand or twelve thousand... (М)

- ... Other invest in hospitals, we invest in

monuments... (A)

-... There is equipment in Shtip, but there is no doctor

to work with them, everyone has gone abroad... (M)

- ... Teachers do not care about the education, they

want classes to finish faster and they get something

on the side.... (A)


Directly addressed answers towards the

current situation in the country with a critical

dynamics


- ... We have people who do not know how to

sum up two and two...

- ... The man is a building structure of the

society...


The resolutions of the economic question

is a priority as an instigator of all other

immanent problems

Participants’ statements: - ...The economy is needed because we

cannot do without financial means...

- ...if we don’t have a strong economy, many

things will not function...

- ...The economy is the base of a country and it

dictates politics...

Expectations from the new government Question: Can you explain why these problems are more important than others?

15

SHTIP 4 participating (3М and 1R)

Changes in the management of human

resources in areas, eliminating of partisanship

and improving standard of living

Participants’ statements: -... – the right people, and not party soldiers, then

the problems will be solved...

- ... Excellent person to get things moving, a

person that knows her/his area...(R)

- ... Every year, pensioners and administration get

5% or 10% raise and the average worker 0...

- ... Half of the people who work do not know how

to write...

BITOLA 7 participating (6М and 1R)

Transparency of the work of the Government

and accountability as a warranty that the

Government will not be manipulating and

abusing power for personal and party goals.

This is a result of the events in reality

Participants’ statements: - ...not to focus only on their goals...

-...when someone comes to power, not to name

things, shouldn’t think how to get rich...

- ... To catch all thieves and they need to explain

where they got the capital...

- ... There is no law against stealing in Macedonia,

nobody goes to prison ...


The desire to change the political elites,

more openness of the politicians towards

the citizens.

Participants’ statements: -... To call a rally of people and randomly

chose and solve their problems... (M)

-... New, maybe will govern in a different

way…the people who created it, won’t be able

to solve it... (A)

- ... They should hear citizens and should work

in that directions... (A)

- ... In these 26 years, we have only heard of

100 names who have lead us... (А)

SKOPJE 7 participating (4М and 3 Аlb)

The worker to be at the front of everything,

efficiency in economy, to nourish quality cadre


- ... At least to have a regular minimum wage... (М)

- ... The worker is not protected... (М)

- ... Qualified people to be accepted without their

party background... (A)

- ... Both politicians and us, should create a better

climate, to attract more foreign investments... (А)


Correcting irregularities and reforms in different

spheres. Strengthening tax policies.


- ... To audit everything. I want to see who earned

what and where from, and who got a job and in what

way...

-... With tax, there is a state. There is no strong state

without tax....

- ... Reforms in health, education, to build quality

cadre...


Implementation of European-Atlantic

values, more efficient management of

finances and fight against corruption


-... Foreign investment to work…zero tolerance

for corruption...

-... Integration in the European Union, there is

no hope without it and NATO membership...

- ... We should go back to decentralization...

Expectations from the new government Question: Which concrete steps should the government take in order to solve problems?

Main finding: main steps- fight against corruption, crime, engaging competent cadre and

better communication with citizens

16

SHTIP 3 participating

Equal social distribution of capital


- ...they should increase salaries and everything

will be solved...

- ... In ten years…Shtip will only have ten

people….

- Ten people in the town. And we will still be

taking 15,0000 in ten years

BITOLA 7 participating (6М and 1 R)

Resolved disproportion between expenditures

and salaries


- ...we would have our own production...

- When it is resolved, the dignity of people will be

returned..

- I think it is impossible, I cannot imagine it, I don’t

know how it will look like


Disappointment from the current condition of

the state in which they don’t need hope for

improvement and resolution of problems

Participants’ statements: - ...no matter what Government, they should stop

stealing from the people, and it will be better for the

people...

- ...in that case, people will be building the state...

- How it will look like, it sounds like science

fiction…it will be miracle

SKOPJE 8 participating

Focus on solving everyday existential problems,

employments, social issues, decreasing the

fines...


- There will be more calmness.

- Stricter norms...

- Social situation should be improved...

- Protection of workers...


Pessimistic discussion with a critical tone with an

emphasis on the need to solve corruption


- There will be more faces with smiles...

- ...it is utopia...

- To change mentality, you will give a 1000 Euros

salary to a health worker, he thinks of ways to get a

bribe...


Extremely pessimistic attitudes and without

hope to possibly solve the problems in the

state


- It is hard to imagine

- ...everything has sunk in corruption

- ...I do not believe that our generation will manage

to see the resolution of these problems

- ...there wouldn’t be chaos in the state

- ...people would deal with real constructive

problems, instead of nationalism and patriotism

Expectations from the new government Question: How would the situation look like after a successful resolution of the problems (what would be different from the

current situation)?

Main finding: less positive visions – solved problems would encourage optimism and hope, more

negative visions – solved problems, it is utopia, I cannot imagine how it would look like, our

generation will not live to see it

17

SHTIP 4 participating (3М and 1R)

Insufficient information and inability to

properly differentiate the political spectrum.

Political orientation of the party is irrelevant.


- Right people on right positions, regardless

whether the party is left or right

-...I don’t understand left, right

- They solve their own problems, and who solves

our problem

BITOLA 4 participating (3М and 1R)

Political orientation of the party is

irrelevant

Participants’ statements: - New party with new people. It doesn't matter

which party

- ...regardless of the party’s orientation

- ...wiretapping woke people up...

- We don’t have such a savior


They think there is a confusion of the

political spectrum in Macedonia.


-...the short democratic experience in

Macedonia contributed for the society not to be

oriented towards left or right yet..

...they do not differ ideologically…it is only

declarative

SKOPJE 7 participating (4М and 3 Alb)

Disappointment in the existing parties which

has influenced the indifference toward

ideological differences between political

subjects.

Participants’ statements: - ...I am neutral…I think neither the one, nor the

others

- ... Neither the one, nor the other..In Macedonia

people strive to win on national basis ...

- ...neither SDSM nor VMRO hold the decisions,

Merkel is the solution, the solution is a citizens’ party

- ...all parties are the same...

- ...whoever come, it will be the same, first we need

to deal with debts, expenditures ...


Participants were divided in those who

support the right and those who expressed a

need for a new option to appear regardless

its political orientation (need for true political

pluralism)

Participants’ statements: - ...we need fresh blood...

- Now I think that a center which can realistically

and objectively…

- I think that that Government, which is current at

the moment, should continue. They saw where

they were wrong. And hopefully they will correct

themselves. If someone else comes, again the

same, these have the experience. They need to

start improving already.


The political orientation is only declarative.

However, the attitudes are leaning towards

the left as a result of the accumulated

dissatisfaction of the right.

Participants’ statements: - Gruevski… there is a prime minister, no

ministers...

- ...people believe VMRO is right, SDSM is

left…but that’s only declarative...

- ...it doesn’t matter, left, right...

- ...they are all the same, they all work for the

our causes....

Expectations from the new government Question: According to you, which party can successfully solve the problems, party from the political right, left, or center?

18

Expectations from the new government Question: According to you, which party can successfully solve the problems, party from the political right, left, or center?

15

56

10

19

Right Center Left No answer

The analysis of the perception of the political spectrum in the group discussion is insufficiently differentiated in the majority of participants. According to their experience, the ideological orientation of parties is not important and has been reduced to the opinion that all the parties are the same when they are in power. When the participants were faced with the situation of the mini survey to give a concrete response, the results are more clear. The estimate of the majority 56% is that parties from the political center can successfully resolve problems in the country. The undecided percentage is a bit more preferred than the left 10% and the right 15% and this shows their dissatisfaction by them, which was present during the whole group discussion. This finding takes us to a conclusion that the undecided are expecting a changed attitude by these parties in terms of their governance practices.

%

Results from the Mini Survey

19

The electoral profile of the undecided participants in group discussions shows the following:

The vast majority of them (89%) is not interested in politics Usually every fifth participant always votes for the same party

and almost three fourths (73%) vote differently Majority of them feel it is important for them for which party

they will cast their vote (58%) Majority of them will probably vote on the parliamentary

elections (54%), and 35% will think about whether they will vote

Electoral profile of undecided Electoral performances of undecided viewed through the prism of the mini survey results (note: due to the small number of

respondents in the group discussions, 48 total, these results above all, have a purpose to illustrate certain important

characteristics without pretensions to be a replacements for findings based on a sufficiently big representative sample)

2 Topic 2 - PERSONIFICATION OF

PARTIES

20

21

KUMANOVO

Hierarchical party with privileged leadership,

atmosphere of fear and uncertainty is

present in the party

Associations are the same with both

Albanians and Macedonians

SKOPJE

Albanians: General insecurity, destructive

methods of governance and selfish

aspirations.

Macedonians: manipulative, hierarchical

governance, it causes repulsion and

resignation

TETOVO

Powerful party with an exclusivity,

favoring personal interests,

nondemocratic leadership

SHTIP

Party which citizens are not identifying

with, the average citizen believes that

the leadership is distant from them

- Luxurious life style

- Ability to survive turbulences

STRUMICA

They are calling upon traditional values,

but it builds megalomaniac objects in

baroque.

KUMANOVO 8 (4М,4А)

-... Cold, password needed to get in, magicians,

they are afraid of their own shadow (А)

-... House of cards…it can fall down in a

minute….there is bridge to run away… (М)

-... With security, with servants..(М)

SKOPJE (4М, 4А)

-...they are stressed, jumpy….they are looking for

someone to burn, to imprison someone…I would

not like to be in that house...(А)

-... There are a lot of fears, rich people,

arrogant... (М)

-... Huge building. The wizard is upstairs, the

others are like brainless... (М)

TETOVO 5 (А)

- ...they are focused only on the interests of their

people..

- ... Big house, big garden, the owner is a dictator

- ..selfish people think about themselves...

SHTIP 5 (М) -... They have everything, cars, security, pool, rich

people, living outside the city...

- ... Only they live in that house, nobody else..

-... Will they survive an earthquake…strong

build…they will survive

- ... Not like mine...

STRUMICA 8 (М)

-... Baroque...

-... Traditional house...

-...the same as their new building..

-... Baroque with a pool...

BITOLA 4 (М)

- ... Barok in styrofoam...

- ... We are afraid because we are in such a

situation...

- ... Angels...

- ... I only see a façade, styrofoam...

Personification of parties

– VMRO-DPMNE

Associations Interpretations

BITOLA

- Megalomania

- Luxury

- Hypocrisy

- False values

Instructions: imagine the party is a

house and describe it ....

Main findings:

Negative associations are dominant

in all towns.

It is experienced in categories of

power, a body organized in strict

hierarchy, megalomaniac, with

luxurious life style, nourishes false

value, favors personal interests.

Govern in a nondemocratic spirit,

strongly organized with a developed

capacity to endure stresses in an

atmosphere of turbulences in society.

General climate in the party – there

is an atmosphere of fear and

uncertainty.

22

KUMANOVO

Albanians:

- No desire nor power to change

Macedonians:

- Weakened, with a desire to renew,

but the electorate is skeptical

SKOPJE

Albanians(divided opinions):

- Potential for a positive change

- Selfish desire for power

Macedonians:

- Selfish desire for power

TETOVO

Divided opinions:

- It puts personal interests above

the ones of citizens

- There is a process of changes in

the direction of renewal of

capacities

SHTIP

-Evaluation of the majority of

participant- weakened party with a

motive to win power, for their own

goals and interests (R) (М)

It has capacity to renew the

prestige

STRUMICA

- Estranged from the electorate,

arrogant, inaccessible to citizens

- Elitist style distances citizens

BITOLA

- Powerless

- Weak

- Poor

KUMANOVO 4 (А) 3 (М)

-...weekend house….not even one

neighbor (А)

-... nothing has been invested…no

hope... (А)

- ...in the phase: we will do... (М)

SKOPJE 4 (А) 3 (М)

-... You get up, so we can sit...(М)

-... Argument in the house…Panic (М)

-... To change some things…I like it...

(А)

-... Big, beautiful, luxurious...(А)

-... To seduce the people...(А)

TETOVO 5 (А) -...they are trying to satisfy people

who are coming in the house

- Loud sounds, turbulences, it can be

a strong house…

- It looks good but the people who

live it in…they live for themselves….

SHTIP 6 (М) 1(R)

-... They are waiting for the time to

come to build another floor

-... Maybe it has good foundations

that can be renewed...

-... It is only important to sit on the

chair(R)

STRUMICA 6 (М)

- ...they do not want neighbors

because they are arrogant…

- ... They have friends out of

interest...

- More elitistic..

- ... They live on the outskirts, where

they are in peace...

BITOLA 3 (М)

- Do they have a house?

-Building

- There is no gas in the building

- Small apartments


– SDSM


Instructions: imagine the party is a house

and describe it ....

Main findings:

In the majority of townс (Te, St, Ku, Sk),

the opinions are divided, polarized on

negative and positive associations, the

negative ones prevail.

It is experienced as a category of

weakness, not power, poor, estranged

from the electorate. In a process of

renewal of capacities and prestige.

Party which expresses aspiration for

winning power for their own goals and

interests, defined as a selfish purpose

for power.

General climate in the party –

indications for pre-electoral mobilization

in an atmosphere of conflicts and

concern.

23

KUMANOVO

Macedonians: negative perception of the

party

Albanians: Visibly disappointed , and the work

of the party and its staff is looked upon with

distrust and …

SKOPJE

Macedonians: neutral perception. Present at

the scene, but with no important role.

Albanians: Negative perceptions

Internal disputes; corruption; manipulations,

atmosphere of uncertainty

TETOVO

Accumulated exposed dissatisfaction

manifested through putting labels of

negative characteristics of officials.

Atmosphere of interparty conflict

SHTIP

The negative stereotypes about the

Albanian nationality are basis for their

perception of DUI.

STRUMICA

General opinions are a result of opinions

acquired from the stereotypes of the

Albanian nationality.

BITOLA

The participants are not informed about

DUI and their knowledge is elemental

and formed by stereotype about the

Albanian nationality

KUMANOVO 4(М) 3(А)

-... Modern house, isolated in an elite

neighborhood…it is an interest of that group... (М)

-... Good house, and no good people, the people are

not good.. (А)

-... narcissistic... (А)

-...fascinating, as it is of quality… and it looks like it’s

100 years old... (А)

SKOPJE 4(М) 4(А)

- Panic atmosphere like in SDSM and VMRO (А)

-... Mafia house... (А)

-... Every year, a family member moves out because

of a dispute..(А)

-... .. Barbed wire, so not everyone can be a member

there... (М)

-... A house where there is no love, no

togetherness…an empty house... (А)

TETOVO 8(А)

-... Bad house, bad garden…everything inside is bad

and ugly...

-... One is afraid, there are not a lot of people inside

but they are dangerous...

-... No control over its family, family members would

like to run

SHTIP 5(М) 1(R) -... Children 20. Relatives 100 ....

-... They are closed up, the yard is big and it receives

a lot of people, it has a strong foundation, it will

survive a stronger earthquake...

-... . But they don’t function with anyone from the

neighborhood....

STRUMICA 5(М)

-... They all hang out together, that’s why they are

winning...

-... They live alone...

-... There is a bit of luxury, but like in the first two...

-... A lot of floors. They need more room...

BITOLA 4(М) 1(R)

-... They were with VMRO?...

-...With dogs, with bodyguards...

-... They all have the same house, inside they have

fireplaces, but on a picture, false …... (R)

-... I don’t know what to answer anymore...


– DUI


Instructions: imagine the party is a

house and describe it ....

Main findings:

In the majority of towns with Macedonian

participants, the perception is determined

by negative national stereotypes. Obvious

disappointments and accumulated

dissatisfaction present among Albanian

participants.

It is experienced in categories of internal

disputes and distrust in the party which is

emphasized among the Albanian

participants.

Party which is closed and isolated from

citizens. There is a process where

disappointed members leave the party.

General climate in the party– atmosphere

of concern and uncertainty.

24


– DPA


TETOVO

- Inaccessible for the electorate

- Selfish, they don’t think about

the electorate

- They hide their weakness and

lack of power

BITOLA

-Indifference toward Albanian

parties

- Insufficient information

TETOVO 6 (А)

- I do not see them at all

- A house which has several empty

floors…the owner appears as

everything is ok...

-...they have it for themselves...

BITOLA 3 (М)

- All houses are the same

KUMANOVO

-Emphasized negative stand in both


- Weak party, internal party divisions

-Non-functional, disintegrated

SKOPJE

No opposite opinions between


- No visions, no agenda,

opportunistic party

- More modest than DUI

SHTIP

-Insufficient information about the

party and its work (5 of 7)

- Weak party with big aspirations

STRUMICA

- Equalizing the goals of DUI and

DPA

- Emphasis on the inferiority of

the party in comparison to others

KUMANOVO 4 (М) 4 (А)

-... DPA smaller house ….disputes

are obvious... (М)

-...But I don’t have anything special to

say...(М)

-...A piece falls every day...(А)

-...I did not imagine it as a house...(А)

SKOPJE 4 (М) 4 (А)

-... No vision(М)

-...more modest then DUI...(М) (А)

-...They have houses everywhere,

wherever they are given ...(А)

SHTIP 7 (М) -... A little house..I don’t know a lot to

comment much

-... The desires are big, and the

house is medium

STRUMICA 4 (М)

- The house is the same for DUI and

DPA...The house is not big but it will

have a big yard ...

- Only a big yard, no house…a tent

probably

Гксса

хгфф

Дгффх

Instructions: imagine the party is a house

and describe it ....

Main findings:

In the majority of towns, Macedonian

participants are not informed and not

interested in the party, negative

perception prevails among the Albanian

participants.

It is experienced in categories of

weakness and not power, without

visions, it is behaving opportunistically

in political events.

General climate in the party–

atmosphere of division, it nourishes

aspirations which are above its

capacities.

Interpretations

Associations

Personification of parties – Ideal party

... Medium sized yard, with tenant’s council

(R) (Bt)

... Who will be implementing a platform...for

development of the state...will include all

human resources...needed for

implementation...(А) (Те)

To open the door for everyone that knocks,

to enter freely and to welcome

everyone...(М) (St)

... Equal for all citizens (М) (St)

... Will keep their promises(М) (Кu)

Ideal party, first they should be people who

will be working for all, and not just for some

(А) (Кu)

...where the Government is afraid of the

people, and not the people afraid of the

Government (А) (Sk)

The ideal party is expected to have a clear

platform which it will implement with all its

capacities

It is determined to fulfill what it promised

It is inclusive and equal to all levels of society

Respects all laws

With capable and professional staff

Modest, not a lot of luxury

Open and accessible to citizens

To be able to hear the needs of the citizens

3 Topic 3 - Multiethnic policies

26

27

Skopje Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP 7(М) 1(R)

Almost all participants are in agreement

to vote for multi ethnic coalitions, except

two (1R and1М)

-... Those two parties don’t like each other, let

alone, if there is an Albanian, Roma,

Turk...(R)

-... If it is the right people, yes, if they are not,

then, no...

BITOLA 5(М) 1(R) All 6 participants would vote for a multiethnic

coalition. The argument is that we should vote

for people, and not nationalities, and they do

not see a need to split on the basis of

nationality

- ...Yes, well we vote for people, not for a

nationality... (М)

-... There are representatives from all

nationalities in the Parliament (R)

SKOPJE 2 (М) 2 (А)

4 participants got involved in the

discussion, and all 4 were in agreement

-... It can be like it used to be, we had

everything. We were all together... (М)

-... We are stronger together, let’s say.. (А)

STRUMICA 5 (М)

All answers were the same and

affirmative, without a lot of offered

responses or arguments

-... I would vote if it is a good party, why ever

not? Macedonia is all of us...

-...Yes we all should be on...

TETOVO 5 (А)

All participants responded to this

question negatively which points out to

a interethnic distrust. One of them

expressed distrust towards

Macedonians as a people generalizing

from his own direct experience with

Macedonians.

-... I work with Macedonians, and

absolutely you cannot deal with them...

-... We don’t have conditions for political

multiethnic coalitions...... 0

0

0

5

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

3

1

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

4

NA

- -

+/-

++0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

6

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

2

0

6

NA

- -

+/-

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO 4 (М) 4 (А)

The group unanimously and

declaratively, without a desire to

discuss further, gives support to

multiethnic coalitions and candidates’

lists with candidates of more

nationalities.

Multiethnic policies Question:....Would you vote for a multiethnic coalition (a multiethnic coalition would consist of Macedonian, Albanian,

Serbian, Roma, Turkish political parties)?

NA = Not active

- - I would not…

+/- Abstained

++ I would vote

Main finding: the readiness to vote

prevails in 5 towns

28

Skopje Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP 7(М) 1(Р)

Almost all participants are in agreement

that they would vote for a party which has

candidates from more nationalities on

their list. This questions did not spark a

more detailed discussion. They mostly

spoke about equality in the general flow

of the discussions.

-... Collegiality, collectivity, yes...

-... Equality in any case on basis of nationality

BITOLA 7 (М) 1 (R)

The group unanimously gives support to a

party which has candidates from several

nationalities on their list. The offered

program is important and not the

nationality of candidates.

-...If they offer a program...

SKOPJE 2(М) 1(А)

All participants who participated in the

discussions agreed that they would

vote.

-... And why would it be a problem?...

STRUMICA (8)

There is a cohesion in the opinions and

stances on this question as well, which

resulted in affirmative responses, and

without a bigger number of offered

answers and arguments for the contrary

-... We are people, and they are people. It is

for the state...

-... Why not?...

TETOVO 5 (А)

Most participants believe that if the

party is functional and has a selfless,

realistic platform, they would vote for it

without a problem. One stated that he

would not vote, and would think about

it in terms of percentage

representation.

-... If it is a realistic party, I would vote

without any dilemma...

-... I would not if there are members on the

lists...

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

1

1

3

NA

- -

+/-

++ 0

0

0

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO 2(М) 1(А)

The group unanimously and

declaratively, without a desire to

discuss further, gives support to

multiethnic coalitions and candidates’

lists with candidates of more

nationalities.

Multiethnic policies Question:.. Would you vote for a party if on its list, it has candidates from more nationalities (Including Macedonians,

Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Turks…)?

0

0

0

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

NA = Not active

- - I would not…

+/- Abstained

++ I would vote

Main finding: There is declarative

readiness in all towns

4 Topic 4 - Special Prosecution Office

(SPO)

29

30

2

0

0

6 (5М,1R)

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

6

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP 6 (М)

Divided stance on this questions from the

members of the group, without deeper arguments

from either side.

Participants’ statements: - ... If the judiciary did its job, there would not have

been a need, and at this moment, there was a need.

We will see if it is right or not…....

-... I do not have an opinion. If it was established, then

there was a need for it to be established...

-... Well there was no need...

-... There should be something, but not this public, they

are overdoing it…

BITOLA 5(M) 1(R)

Everyone is in an agreement that there was a

need to establish the SPO, but there is a

polarization in terms of their ways of work


-…the wiretapping…their eyes are opened…now

SPO will have to prove the corruption... (М)

-… it cannot work only against one political

side…SPO definitely works for the opposition...(R)

-... The situation itself imposed it…pressure,

otherwise the cases would not reach the court...(М)

KUMANOVO 3(М) 3(А)

The participants are in agreement that

it was needed to form SPO with a

remark (Alb) that a special judiciary is

also needed.

Participants’ statements: -... In this situation yes... (М)

-... It was needed, but with a parallel special

judiciary... (А)

SKOPJE 3 (М) 4(А)

Divided opinions of the group participants

between “abstained” and those who think there

was a need to form SPO

Participants’ statements: - ...this was a suggestion of SDSM…I agree with it,

what is unclean, should be cleaned... (М)

-... I think this is a circus, I am not buying it... (А)

-... Maybe there is, if they decided on it...(А)

-... Well, I don’t know, maybe... (М)

STRUMICA 8 (М)

Most think there was no need to form SPO

emphasizing the unnecessary expenditures

and it does not have a real effect.


-... There should be someone to look at things in

an unbiased way...

-... There was no need, a lot of money was spent,

and no results...

-... No, I think there was no need at all...

-... Well I think SPO is needed, but with an audit

function...

TETOVO 8 (А)

The group is in unanimous agreement

that there was a need to form SPO.


-... Yes, without discussion, yes...

2 (1М,1R)

1

2

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

SPO Question: According to you, was there a need to establish the Special Prosecution Office?

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

2(1А,1М)

0

0

6(3А,3М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

0

3(2А,1М)

4(2А,2М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: majority of participants (60%) think there was a need to establish SPO

31

1 (1А)

1 1(М)

2 (1А,1М)

4 (2А,2М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

1 (1М)

3 (2М,1А)

1 (1М)

3(3А)

NA

- -

+/-

++

2 (1Р, 1М)

3

0

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

2

0

0

6

NA

- -

+/-

++

2

4

2

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

Emphasized pessimism about the

resolution of the crisis, skepticism and

distrust about SPO’s capacity to resolve

such a deep crisis

Participants’ statements: -No, there can only be war.

-... SPO should not be a factor in the

resolution of the crisis in Macedonia

-... It seems like we are on the battlefield…

BITOLA

Polarized views. According to ones, the

non-objectivity of SPO deepens the crisis,

and according to others, it is the only body

that will solve it.

Participants’ statements: -…there can be an exit, it they execute it as

they should…

-No, it was formed to prolong the crisis…they

launder money, that’s it, the end…

-... A judge is prosecuting you, a judge is

judging you, is how things were, now SPO

needs to …. Prove the corruption

KUMANOVO

Half of the FG are giving support, balanced

between two nationalities. The others view it with

skepticism, and only one views it as fraud (М).

Participants’ statements: -...all of this seems a little skeptical (А)

-... It is a wonderful mask for us to think that everything

is legitimate...(М)

-... If they don’t have support from people and from

abroad, SPO will not get us out of the crisis (А)

-...I see it only as one of the options (М)

SKOPJE

Divided views. Albanians show optimism about

SPO, and Macedonians show increased

skepticism about the ability and the capacity of

SPO because of the crisis’ size.

Participants’ statements: -... It will serve, it is serving, citizens know who,

what, how (А)

-... It will be hard to get to the end of it (М)

-... No, because the cases that are processed

by SPO, should be worked by the PP, and we

know who has a grip on the PP ...(А)

STRUMICA

Distrust towards SPO, it is seen as a

formality, disappointment from its inactivity

Participants’ statements: - No, on the contrary, I think it has deepened the

crisis further more...

- When SPO was being elected, even to me, it

looked like a farce

-... I personally saw that something was going to

happen. However my expectations were not

fulfilled.

TETOVO

Unanimous support for SPO, it is

viewed as the only exit from the crisis,

the need to form a special court was

mentioned

Participants’ statements: -... SPO is absolutely a factor…to get out

of this spiraling situation

-... I have hope that it will influence the

resolution of the political crisis...

-... It is in vain to have a special

prosecution, when we do not have a

special court

SPO Question: Do you see the establishing of SPO as a possibility to exit the political crisis in Macedonia which was a result of the illegal

wiretapped phone calls?

4 (1R, 3М)

4

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: Almost equally, participants are divided in viewing SPO as a possibility for exit

from the political crisis (35%) and 31% who have a contrary opinion

32

1

3

1

3(2М,1R)

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

7

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

Divided views on this question. Some

participants stated they don’t know enough,

and one mentioned that SPO members take

big salaries.

Participants’ statements: -... I will say only this, they have big salaries…

according to me, it is impartial....

-... I also think partial, I don’t know a lot...

-... I don’t know what to say, I hear something

here, something there, it is all the same...

BITOLA

Divided opinions between “partially“ (works

for the opposition) and “impartially“.


-... There are pressures from both sides...

-... I am not well informed, maybe it is possible...

KUMANOVO

Polarized responses. Two participants

(1А, 1М) think SPO works impartially,

(1М) thinks that there is not enough

information, and three think SPO is

under pressures from both sides.

Participants’ statements: -... There is strong pressure from one side

and from the other side... (М)

-... It is far fetched to think they work

impartially.. (М)

-... I think they are impartial...(М)

SKOPJE

Most participants think that SPO works

partially. The discussion went on in the

direction that there is a big pressure

over SPO.

Participants’ statements: -... There is pressure...(М)

-... Works properly...(А)

-... I do not believe they work

impartially...(А)

-... There are pressures. I would not say it is

impartial....(М)

STRUMICA

Everyone responded that SPO works partially.

As a reason, they stated the big pressure from

the parties and it is hard to remain objective.

Participants’ statements: -... Well, I also think partially, because even if they

don’t want it, there is a big pressure....

-... They are irresponsible towards themselves and

others around them...

-... Yes, I think they are partial. Judging from the

press conferences they hold...

TETOVO

Participants think that SPO works

impartially and independently, the need to

form a Special Court was emphasized.

Participants’ statements: -... They are real, they publicly state what they

are working on...

-... I have not heard that they solved anything

so far...

-... VMRO is the party which obstructs their

work...

1

0

0

7

NA

- -

+/-

++

SPO Question: Do you think SPO works impartially and independently from political influences?

3(2М,1R)

2

1

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

2 (2А)

3 (2М,1А)

1(1М)

2(1М,1А)

NA

- -

+/-

++

3(2М,1А)

4(2М,2А)

0

1(1А)

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: Every third participant (31%) thinks that SPO works impartially, and, 40% think it is

exposed to pressures which make it hard to remain impartial.

33

2 (2M)

4 (2М 2A)

2 (2A)

NA

- -

+/-

++

4 (3М 1М)

4(1М 3 Ал)

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

6 (R, 5М)

2 (2М)

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

5

3

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

4

4

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

Most participants are in agreement that there

are obstructions from both sides


-... Yes. There are pressures from both sides

-... We all share the same opinion (R)

BITOLA Only two people expressed views on this

question, and both of them agreed that the

obstructions are coming from the suspects

Participants’ statements: -...Yes, those that are prosecuted are not

supporting them

-... Every time there is a press conference of

SPO, the most fierce reaction is from … those

who are investigated, let me say…

KUMANOVO

Divided views. Half of them (1М,1А) think

they are coming from the government, and

the rest (1М,1А) from both sides

Participants’ statements: -... Probably from the government, because

their actions are directed towards them (М)

-... From both sides…М)

-... I think that those in power are against

her, and she is working as her program

dictates(А)

SKOPJE

Among Albanian participants, the opinion

that VMRO-DPMNE is obstructing the work

prevails, and only one Macedonian

expresses a view that there are

obstructions from both sides. Others do not

participate in the discussion.

Participants’ statements: -... Now it is very obvious, VMRO-DPMNE

is doing it for the last three days (А)

-... Both sides (М)

STRUMICA According to four participants, the

obstructions are coming from both the

opposition and the government.

Participants’ statements: - ... I think it’s both sides

TETOVO

Only three participated. All of them think

that it is VMRO-DPMNE or the ruling

parties.

Participants’ statements: -... VMRO is the party that obstructs that

work.

-... The ruling parties

SPO Question: According to you, do some political parties obstruct the work of SPO? If yes, which ones?

3

5 (1R, 4М)

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: Almost every second participant (46%) thinks that political parties obstruct

the work of SP, the obstructions are coming from the suspects, VMRO-DPMNE i.e. ruling

parties (20%) and 26% believe it is coming from both sides.

... Maybe they were waiting for a date for elections,

and now they will push forward... (М) (Bt)

... We are entering another political phase…we are

ahead of elections and some things need to be

processed and to have more support and security

(А) (Те)

We are ahead of elections (М) (St)

This procedure should be made faster, because

tensions are appearing among people, some

instability, one doesn’t know what will happen

tomorrow while walking down the street… (М) (St)

They did not do anything this year, two cases, three

case, as far as I know...(М) (St)

I don’t have a lot of information, probably there is

no time because elections are approaching, she

needs to stop with those statements, prosecutions,

it will be forbidden in a pre-election period,

stopped (М) (Ku)

Will wait for directives from outside, maybe not to

create problems before elections in Macedonia (А)

(Ku)

It is connected to the elections. (А) (Sk)

Interpretations

Associations

In all towns except Shtip, according to the active

participants in the discussion, the announcement

of the SPO to intensify its work is due to the

upcoming elections.

In Shtip, the active participants, list the following

reasons:

• Unstable and insecure situation which results

from tensions among citizens..

• The weak activity of SPO in the past period

and the small number of cases opened by

the special prosecution office.

Intensification of the work of the SPO is expected

because the uncertainties related to the work of

the SPO generates tensions in the public.

SPO Question: SPO stated that in the next period it will intensify its work. What do you think about it, what is the reason for this

statement?

35

6

1(R)

0

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

2

4

2

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

Polarized views on this question. Some state

that SPO works slowly, and others are talking

about the complexity of the material SPO has

at its disposal and it takes time.

Participants’ statements: -... SPO has a lot of cases they need to solve...

-... To be continued...

-... I wanted to say that, that there is no time, it

needs to be continued...

-... There is no time for anything, that’s a fact...

BITOLA

Due to the lack of information, almost all

participants have not formed a stance about the

need to extend the deadline, and only 2

participants express their opinion.


-... If there is a mandate, then there is a need... (М)

-... The SPO should have done a lot by now, they only

give hope that something will happen, but it will

not...(R)

KUMANOVO

The answer by the participants that they do

not have enough information in order to

respond dominates the discussion.

Participants’ statements: -... They will ask for two more years, they have

enough, they should solve everything and good

bye...(М)

-... There will be need, if one wants to clear up

everything...(М)

-... I don’t know, I don’t have any information...(А)

SKOPJE

The stance that more time should be given

prevails over those who are not informed

enough to give an answer.

Participants’ statements: -... There is need because they only listened

through 12% of the wiretapped conversations...(А)

-... Time should be given to clear up a lot of these

issues ...(А)

-... Well, I don’t know, I don’t know, really… (М)

STRUMICA

Most participants think that there is time,

but SPO is not doing their job in a timely

manner, which is accompanied with

negative comments.


-... There is enough time, if they work...

-... Irresponsible. Just to sit and get salaries. ..

-... There was time, but we did not see any

results...

-... I think there was time to show results...

TETOVO

The general stance of the group is that more

time is needed, and the reason for that is the

complexity of the materials on SPO’s

disposal.

Participants’ statements: -... They may speed up the work, but without a

realization, it doesn’t matter...

-... They will not have time to listen through all the

bombs, there are a lot of people, it takes a lot of

time...

-... They need a lot of time...

-... More time is needed for a proper solution...

3

(2М,1R)

3

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

SPO Question: Do you think that the SPO has enough time to file indictments or there is need to extend the deadline for filing an

indictment?

0

0

1

7

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

1(1М)

5

2(1А,1М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

2 (2М)

0

2(1А,1М)

4(3А,1М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: every third participant is for prolonging the time (33%) every fifth stated that there is

enough time (21%) and the same number have stated that they are not informed enough to take

stand

5 State Election Commission (SEC)

36

37

0

3

0

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP Divided views in terms of trust in the SEC. Short,

without arguments.

Participants’ statements: -... I have trust in SEC as well...

-... I can say that I trust SEC work... (R)

-... I personally don’t trust anyone....

BITOLA

Two participants state that they don’t have trust

in the SEC, and as an explanation they state

that the members are nominated by parties,

while the other participants in the discussion

don’t have a stance.


-... SEC members are nominated by parties, they will

not do their job professionally, but semiprofessionally.

-... It is the same as political parties...

-... I am not sure if I trust them or not...

KUMANOVO

Divided views. Most of them express trust,

which is based on hope and desire for it to

succeed.

Participants’ statements: -... It seems they will pass some just

decisions which will make us trust them...

(А)

-... Well I should have it, but I don’t fully

trust it because I know there are party

people there....(М)

-... I do, but with some reservations...(М)

-... No, I don’t have full trust...(А)

SKOPJE A short, clear discussion was developed in

which 7 participants stated that they don’t

have trust in SEC, one of them quite

emotionally stated that he does not trust

any institutions in the state.

Participants’ statements: -... We don’t have trust in anything... (М)

-... I do...(М)

STRUMICA

Polarized views. Expressed trust with

certain dilemmas.

Participants’ statements: -... I don’t know, I don’t trust them, they work

as they work, and I have not developed trust...

-... I have trust because they cannot do a lot of

manipulations..

-... They steal boxes, wait, how are they

stealing boxes...

-... I do. These are the lists, there are voters…

TETOVO

Divided views of the group participants, but

the distrust in the SEC prevails, one trusts

SEC partially, but states that they need to

work more.

Participants’ statements: -... I don’t have trust at all...

-... If they work more, they will achieve the goal...

-... I don’t have trust at all...

2

4

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

SEC Question: Do you have trust in the work of the SEC?

2(1М,1R)

2

4

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

3

1

4(3М,1R)

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

3(2А,1М)

0

5(3М,2А)

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

7

0

1(1М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: The distrust in SEC is dominant (46%) compared to the trust in the SEC (31%).

38

5

1

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP Polarized short responses, without larger discussion

and arguments.

Participants’ statements: -... I have faith. Each anomaly that happens in an

electoral district, is reported.... (Р)

-... Yes, yes...

-... No ...

BITOLA

The group seems uninformed about SEC, and

the responses are with a critical tone and

distrust


-... It works the same under party instructions...

-... I don’t know who leads them, I don’t know them…

-... I don’t think, it may have, it may not have...

KUMANOVO


They have it, but they don’t want to…

They have capacity, but they are obstructed

SKOPJE


I think they don’t have it

They have capacity

STRUMICA

In the responses, it is obvious that there is a dose

of uncertainty and none of the answers have strong

argument-based background. The responses have

the character of expectation and hope

Participants’ statements: -... Well they will conduct them, but it depends on the

polling sites, how will they dictate it...

-... Well, the elections will be conducted, I don’t know

about their fairness...

-... It does not depend on the SEC, it depends on the

state itself, people and parties...

TETOVO

The group has a positive response on this

question, but only if it is not under party

influences.

Participants’ statements: -... If the state wants it...

-... So we always have capacities…it is important

to choose which part of the brain will be used for

thinking...

-... I think they have capacity, but they should not

be under party influence...

-... If they are not under party influence, they can...

1

0

0

7

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

1(1М)

2 (1А 1М)

5(3Ал,2М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

2 (2М) 5 (4А 1М)

0

1(1М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

SEC Question: Do you think SEC has capacity to conduct fair and democratic elections?

5(4М,1R

)

1

2

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

4

0

3(2М,1R

)

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: The assessment of the SEC’s capacities shows a prevalence of the stance

that SEC has a capacity - 38% as opposed to the stance that is does not 25%.

39

2

1

1

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

One participant expressed argument-based

opinion that the adopted methodology will not

bear fruits, and the other participants are not

informed enough.

Participants’ statements: -... No, because SEC member cannot come to an

agreement and they always criticize each other...

-... No comment...

-... I don’t have a comment, either. I am not well

informed...

KUMANOVO

No optimism is noticed, they stated that there are

still phantom voters and the process has not been

completed.

Participants’ statements: -... Because I don’t have trust in SEC and this is

related to that... (А)

-... It is not cleaned up enough, that has not been

completed, it has only been started...(М)

-... There is distrust, there are fictitious voters,

each government is abusing them ...(А)

-... It is confirmed that both SDSM and VMRO did

the same thing... (А)

SKOPJE

Divided stances of participants on this

question. Part of them express hope, and

others distrust and pessimism.


-... The Voters’ List will never be cleaned...

-... It will reflect the real picture...

-... Let’s hope so...

STRUMICA

There is uncertainty in the responses in

relation to this topic which is accompanied

with a dose of hope and optimism.


-... And what methodology is that?...

-... And who saw or understood what was

cleaned up?...

-... I think it will be ok. Let’s trust them...

-... They are experts. Let’s trust them...

TETOVO

Four participants expressed negative opinion

about the adopted methodology or the

contested voters.

Participants’ statements: -... I don’t believe so, the clean up was done

because of the Albanians, and the number of

Macedonians is increased...

-... I don’t believe so...

4

4

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

SEC Question: Do you think that the adopted methodology to clean up the contested voters will result in a credible Voters’ List which

will reflect the real number of voters in the Republic of Macedonia?

3(2М,1R)

2

3

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

1

6(5М,1R)

NA

- -

+/-

++

3

5(3М, 1А)

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

2(1М 1А)

0

6 (4М 2А)

NA

- -

+/-

++

BITOLA

Weak discussion intensity, only two

participants talk about the problem in a wider

context

Participants’ statements: -... I don’t think so...

-... There should have been a census first, and

then elections ...

-... That’s why, the Voters’ List is not good, and it

cannot be made good....

-... They will vote for dead people and the party

will get votes...

Main finding: Fewer participants believe that the adopted methodology for cleaning up will result

in a credible Voters’ List 19% versus 31% who do not believe it will.

The citizens have identified the census as a solution to the situation with the Voters’ List.

40

Skopje

Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP

- All participants but 1, have stated that

they have not checked whether they

are on the Voters’ List

- The participant who has checked did

not state where he did that (a wider

discussion did not develop)

STRUMICA

- The whole group took part in this

discussion. 7 of them stated that they

have not checked whether they are on

the Voters’ List, and 1 of them has

checked.

- Electronically

0

7

1

NA

- -

++

5

2

1

NA

- -

++4

3

1

NA

- -

++4

1

3

NA

- -

++

4

1

3

NA

- -

++

0

7

1

NA

- -

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO

4 out of 8 participants took part in the

discussion, only 1 (А) electronically

checked if he is on the list, 2(М) did not

state where they have checked even

tough they have done it, one 1(А) has

not checked

SEC Question: Have you checked whether you are on the Voters’ List? If yes, how did you check?

BITOLA

- A small part of the participants, 3 out

of 8 stated that they have checked

whether they are on the Voters’ List (1R

2 М), 1(М) has not checked

- Everyone checked electronically

TETOVO

- Only 4 out of 8 participants took part

in the discussion, only 1 checked, but

was not on the list, 1 does not know

how to check, 2 have not checked

- Electronically

SKOPJE

- Only 4 out of 8 participants took part

in the discussion, only 1 (А) checked if

he is on the Voters’ List, and the other

3 (М) (А) stated that they do not know

how or where to check

- Electronically

NA = Not active

-- No

++ Yes

Main finding:

- Checked 21%

- Did not check 44%

41

1 1(R)

7

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

6 (3А 3М)

1 (1А)

1 (М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

1 (1М)

3 (3А)

1 (1М)

3 (1А 2М)

NA

- -

+/-

++

8

0

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

8

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

SHTIP

The biggest number of participants do

not have trust in the election processes in

RM throughout the years, and the

agreement is not viewed as hope to

improve or change that situation

Participants’ statements: -... We have never had fair and democratic

elections, and we will not have...

BITOLA

None of the participants is informed about

the agreement

Participants’ statements: - I have no idea what they agreed on

KUMANOVO

A negative stance about the

functionality of the agreement prevails,

and it is well balanced between both

nationalities.

Participants’ statements: -... Which time is this for them to agree on

something? This is already seen, nothing

new, so we can’t believe it will...(М)

-... It reminds me of empty words, I have no

hope in them, nobody has capacity to move

forward... (М)

SKOPJE

Divided views. The stance that there are no

conditions prevails among Albanian

participants, and the positive stance that it will

create conditions for fair elections prevails

among the Macedonian participants.


- I think it can, everything is agreed upon and there

will be elections on December 11 (М)

-... I don’t believe there will be fair and democratic

elections, there has never been one. ..(А)

STRUMICA

All participants see the agreement as an

opportunity and potential, but they don’t

believe in its implementation by the

parties.

Participants’ statements: - It all depends on them, if they decide that

there will be, there will be, if not, there won’t

be

-... Yes, yes it can. There are conditions for

elections, the question is whether they want,

them or not....

TETOVO

Emphasized negative stance by all

participants. They view the agreement

as a formality

Participants’ statements: - I do not believe that the agreement can

create such conditions, those are words,

we always have words, words, and nothing

gets implemented.

- People don’t believe it, I think it is a

reality that people do not have hope

anymore

SEC Question: Do you think that the last agreement between the four political parties can create conditions to have fair and democratic

elections in Macedonia?

Main finding: Twice as much participants do not believe (50%) that the last agreement between the

four parties will create conditions for fair and democratic elections in relation to 25% who believe it

will do so.

42

Skopje Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP

Two participants think that the Voters’

List has been cleaned up, and three (2M,

1R) that it has not.

BITOLA

Participants think the process is

completed but without a successful result

SKOPJE

Three (2М,1А) participants think that

the Voters’ List will be cleaned up, four

(3А,1М) that it won’t be, and one

participants does not know.

-... I don’t think it can...

-... I think it will be...

-... I think it will never be clean...

STRUMICA

Most of the participants believe the

Voters’ List has been cleaned up.

-... What they said about the cleaning of the

Voters’ List, it is already completed…

-... Only the Voters’ List, nothing else...

TETOVO

Two participants think the list will not

be cleaned.

-... The list is not definitive...

1

0

0

5

NA

- -

+/-

++

6

2

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

1

4

3

NA

- -

+/-

++ 5

3

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

0

0

0

8

NA

- -

+/-

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO

Three (2М,1А) participants think that

the Voters’ List will not be fully cleaned.

-... The Voters’ List will not be cleaned up...

-... It will remain no matter now clean it is...

Question: How many of the following things do you think are fulfilled or will be fulfilled by election day:

CLEANING UP OF THE VOTERS’ LIST

NA = Not active

- - No

+/- Neutral

++ Yes

3

3

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

Main finding: 38% of the participants think that by election day, the Voters’ List will be cleaned,

and twice as less look on the possibility of fulfilling this condition with skepticism (19%).

43

Skopje Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP

Divided opinions on this question

-... Well I think it can...

-... I won’t...

BITOLA

No responses on this question

SKOPJE

Six (3А,3М) participants think that this

condition will not be fulfilled.

-... There will be pressures always... (М)

-... There have been and there always will

be …...(А)

STRUMICA

Four participants think that this condition

will not be fulfilled, and one thinks it will

be.

-… there will always be pressures

TETOVO

Three participants think that this

condition will be fulfilled.

-... I think it can be fulfilled...

-... Yes, I think it can be fulfilled…

3

4

0

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

5

0

0

3

NA

- -

+/-

++

2

6

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++4

4

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

8

0

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

4

2

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

NA = Not active

- - No

+/- Neutral

++ Yes

LEGEND KUMANOVO

Four (3А,1М) participants think that this

condition will not be fulfilled.

-... There is pressure, one votes for a job,

votes for the streets to be made, to keep his

job...

-... I think it won’t...


ENSURING SECRECY OF THE VOTE AND CONDITIONS TO VOTE FREE OF POLITICAL PRESSURES AND THREATS

Main finding: In terms of ensuring secrecy of the vote and conditions to vote free of political

pressure, every tenth participant (12%) believes it is possible, and almost three times more

participants(33%) believe it is not possible. It is symptomatic that more than half of participants do

not state anything (54%)

44

Skopje Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP

Negative stance from all 7 active participants

BITOLA

Participants think that the partisanship is so

widely spread that its separation would be a

long process which won’t be finished by

election day

- Everything is partisan and all institutions

cannot be separated over night

SKOPJE

Out of 8 active participants, (4М, 3А)

this condition cannot be fulfilled before

the elections

STRUMICA

No discussion took place on this

question. Two out of the three active

participants responded with no, and one

with yes.

TETOVO

Negative stance of all three active

participants

- Almost impossible especially for these

elections…

5

2

0

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

5

3

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++4

4

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

5

3

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

7

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO

4 active participants (3М, 1А) have a pessimistic

stance because of identification of 2 opposing

parties with the state

- Both Gruevski and Zaev say, the state, that’s me

- The parties say we are Macedonia, all parties say

that which speaks that this will never be separated NA = Not active

- - No

+/- Neutral

++ Yes


SEPARATION OF STATE AND PARTY

Main finding: The separation

of the state from the parties

will not be fulfilled by election

day (56%) . Others do not

express an opinion (42%),

only one participant believes

that it will happen by the

election day.

0

8

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

45

Skopje

Tetovo

Bitola

Kumanovo

Shtip

Strumica

SHTIP

5 out of 8 participants got involved in the

discussion. 2 of them think that there will

be freedom of the media, while 2 do not

share this opinion, and 1 does not know.

BITOLA

Not even one participant expressed a

stance on whether this condition will be

fulfilled. The discussion was focused on

the need to implement the law on media,

and only one of them thinks that there is a

need of implementation.

SKOPJE

6 out of 8 participants got involved in the

discussion in which 4(1М, 3А)

expressed a stance that there is no

freedom of the media, and it will not be

achieved, and the other 2(М) do not

agree with that. ...media should be a bit more realistic, what media can do, nobody else can do it…

STRUMICA

4 out of 8 participants actively got

involved in the discussion and only 1 of

them expressed a stance which spoke

about the work that is being done to

improve the freedom of the media, and

three others did not share his opinion. ... About freedom of media, the work is in progress,

I have seen some changes.

TETOVO

7 out of 8 participants got involved in

the discussion and reached an

agreement that the freedom of media

will not be achieved. ... Media should function outside of politics ... ... The time is short to have free media on these elections...

4

3

0

1

NA

- -

+/-

++

1

7

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++ 2

4

0

2

NA

- -

+/-

++3

5

0

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

5

0

3

0

NA

- -

+/-

++

3

2

1

2

NA

- -

+/-

++

LEGEND KUMANOVO

5 out of 8 participants got involved in

the discussion (2М, 3А) and they all

share the stance that freedom of media

will not be achieved - ...All media have been drowned by certain parties. - Each party has its own medium.

NA = Not active

- - No

+/- Neutral

++ Yes


FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA

Main finding: Almost half

think that freedom of media

will not be achieved (44%),

and only 10% believe that

this condition will be fulfilled.

6 Recommendations to the parties and the

new post-electoral government

46

47

Main recommendations: functional program which will be

implemented, elimination of nepotism and corruption, continuous communication with citizens without party pressures; solving the basic existential problems.

• Realistic and functional program • To deliver on promises (R) (М) • Not to steal and lie


Recommendations to the parties and the new post-electoral government Question: What would you recommend to the political parties which will participate in the elections?

• To bring just and correct decisions • Not to arrest and hurt people which are not guilty of anything

• Not to have party employments

• Increasing the standard of living

• Decrease of unemployment

• Not to manipulate with statistics

• A solution to the problem of the youth emigration

• To hear the voice of the people regardless of the party affiliation • Increasing the standard of living • Not to exert pressure upon voters

• Solving the small problems instead of the big promises (М) (А)

• Resignations from all leaders (А)

• To root out nepotism and lying (М)

• To acknowledge the real needs of the people (А)

• Not to exert pressure upon voters(М)

• Fair and democratic elections (М) (А) • Realistic and functional program (М) (А) • To remain close to the people during elections, but also after elections. (М) (А)

48

Main recommendations: To leave bad practices of previous

governments, dedication to solving problems, equipping with experts instead of

party staff and real solving of existential problems, decreasing the gap between the

rich and the poor.

• To root out nepotism

• To appoint people to functions on the basis of individual capacities and qualities


Recommendations to the parties and the new post-electoral government Question: And what would you recommend to the new post electoral Government?

• To work in the interest of citizens and solving their problems

• Not to follow the example of the previous government

• To see a human being in a human being, and not party soldier

• Decreasing the differences between the rich and the poor

• Responsibility towards the society and people

• Increase the standard of living

• Better conditions for youth and keeping them in the state.

• Increasing the standard of living (М) (R)

• To be more well mannered

• Not to follow the example of the previous governments(А)

• Decreasing the salaries of officials

• To work in the interest of citizens and solving their problems

• To remain close to the people during elections, but also after elections. (М) (А)

7 SUMMARY

49

50

• The dominant perception about the wrong direction in which the country is moving, among the undecided participants in the

focus groups, is under a strong influence of the accumulated social-economic dissatisfaction, and at the same time, it is

additionally intensified by the dissatisfaction from politicians.

• This chronically generalized dissatisfaction has a direct influence on the attitude towards politics. 89% are not interested in

politics, and this is where their profile as voters is being defined as well.

• Every fourth participant is looking for a political figure to give his/ her trust to on the elections and that is why they usually vote

differently. These are voters who care about who they vote for (58%) and a significant part of them is in a dilemma whether to

vote or not. Because of this, this segment is most unpredictable in terms of identification of their political preferences.

• Their perception in the wider social radius is determined by this specific aspect. In this context, the research is focused on the

expectations from the new post electoral Government.

• The analysis shows that their expectations are focused on the solution of their existential problems which they are faced with

on daily basis.

• The main priorities which the future Government should have, according to participants, are: improving the standard of living,

opening new jobs with an income that will allow them a dignified life, and the development of the economy is the premise on

which the fulfillment of these priorities is based on.

• The undecided voters are not interested in the ideological orientations of parties in terms of the left-center-right spectrum.

The capacity of political parties to deliver on pre-election promises is what is primarily important for them. Because of this,

they tirelessly look for parties to free themselves from corruptive tendencies among their party lines, to become free of

nepotism and all other moral deviations and political manipulations, often expressed in a direct statement “not to steal, not to

lie”.

• Not fulfilled promises of parties are ‘food’ for the feeling of resentment deep inside them and the dissatisfaction from parties

can be of a long- term character, even when the reasons for this dissatisfaction have been eliminated significantly.

• The analysis of the emotional and cognitive projections of undecided voters shows that the image of the four biggest parties

which governed in different periods of time, is predominantly negative.

• The method of indirect questioning through associations for personification of the parties as a house, not only as an object,

but all other important aspects of living in that house, is the method used to search though the deeper levels of perceiving the

parties. None of the parties passed that test. The attributes to the parties are almost all negative, with no exception. Careful

analysis of these negative attributes can give good direction for building a strategy to improve the negative image they have

among undecided voters in addition to the analysis of the projections of the ideal party image.

SUMMARY(1)

51

• The test in the area of multiethnic policies shows that multi-ethnicity is aspired to, but this does not prove that the

majority would practically accept it, especially if these findings are considered in the context of the group dynamics

where some positions based on negative ethnic stereotypes were expressed.

• The clearing up of the cases related to the illegal wiretapping is a task given to SPO and it is in line with the

understanding of these problems among undecided voters because 60% think that there was a need to establish SPO.

• When discussing about the SPO, we often heard participants’ statements that SPO is obstructed in its work, and it is

emphasized that the pressure comes from the ruling parties, but some of the participants are convinced that pressure

comes from both sides, the opposition and the ruling parties.

• Due to the exposure to pressure, participants think that the SPO will not be able to work impartially (40%), but even

despite such a constellation, every third participants thinks that SPO works in an impartial manner.

• In almost equal proportions (around 30%), view the work of the SPO as a possibility or one of the possibilities to resolve

the political crisis.

• The trust in SEC is lower (31%) then the distrust which is felt by almost half of the undecided participants.

• The assessment that SEC has a capacity to conduct fair and democratic elections prevails (38%), but at the same time,

a significant portion suspect that SEC will put its capacity in work (verbally stated in discussions: they can, but they

don't want to).

• The ones who are skeptical that the adopted methodology will lead to cleaning of the Voters’ List are greater in numbers.

• Half of the participants do not believe that the last agreement between the parties will create conditions for fair and

democratic elections, while only 25% of them believe in this. This is a significant finding of the research.

• If one makes a ranking list of the conditions which should provide for fair and democratic elections, the separation of the

party and the state is on the top of the negative list. 56% participants do not believe that this will be fulfilled by election

day. This is followed by the conviction that media won’t be free and independent (44%). Every third participant does not

believe that voting will take place free of pressure and threats with a ensured secrecy of the vote and 19% think that the

Voters’ List will not be cleaned by election day.

SUMMARY(2)

8 Mini survey

52

53

10%

40%

38%

8%

2%

2%

No answer

The situation is unbearable and one

cannot bear it anymore

It is a hard living, but it is bearable

One cannot live netiher very well,

nor very bad

It’s not all that bad, one can live

One can live well

4%

78% HARD

LIVING

GOOD

LIVING

Attachment 1 from the mini survey

CURRENT SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY Q12. According to you, which of the statements below describes best the current situation in the country?

The majority (78%) of all participants evaluated that „it is hard to live “- (aggregation of

responses „the situation is unbearable and cannot bear it anymore “ and „it is a hard living, but it is

bearable“) in contrast with the very low number of participants who evaluated it is a good living

(4%)

54

THANK YOU FOR THE ATTENTION

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