Baily: I’ve not launched the story about awarding substantial bonuses within the State Election Commission

I’ve not launched the story about awarding substantial bonuses within the State Election Commission (SEC) as all SEC employees were aware of the phenomenon, US Ambassador to Macedonia Jess Baily said Wednesday, giving lecture on corruption to students in Stip.

I’ve only presented my opinion to kick off a healthy public debate on the matter, Baily said.

Widespread corruption and poor rule of law undermine the public trust in institutions forcing young people to leave their homeland in a search for better life, the US Ambassador said.

Everybody should fight corruption; citizens may inform state intuitions – media and the Ombudsman – about such activities, Baily said, notifying also the phone number for reporting corruption.

The wide spread corruption prevents young people and businessmen in general to invest in or kick-start own companies, Baily said.