Ivanov: The referendum failed, it is time for responsibility


“The people rejected the Prespa agreement in yesterday’s referendum. By not voting, the people clearly stated their opinion against hasty, imposed and harmful decisions adopted without a previously reached national consensus. The silent majority has decided. The boycott is the voice of those who are underestimated and not heard,” said President Gjorge Ivanov in yesterday’s address to the citizens of Macedonia.
“The message of the people is sent to those who must hear it. The silent majority has decided, the reality is that the referendum failed. Do not attempt to change this reality, do not underestimate the sovereign will of the Macedonian people. A 36.9% turnout is not the will of the people, 63.1% that didn’t come out to vote is the people’s will. The reality is that the referendum failed. It is time for responsibility. You have reduced the NATO and EU support from 80% to a mere 36.9%,” Ivanov said.
He added that support for the EU and NATO membership was reduced due to the unpopular referendum. “You have been manipulating our citizens and also our European and Euro-Atlantic partners. You have been providing them with false perceptions,” Ivanov said. The Macedonian President said he expected OSCE/ODIHR to seriously take into account reports about irregularities in several polling stations.
He sent a message to those who allegedly interfere in Macedonia’s internal affairs and take sides. “I tell them to obey the international conventions on diplomatic relations. Those who have a democratic deficit cannot impose solutions contrary to the sovereign power of the Macedonian people,” Ivanov said.
He reminded the citizens that only a few days ago, from the United Nations rostrum, United States President Donald Trump said that freedom, peace and democracy were only possible in sovereign and independent states.
The referendum is no opinion poll, Ivanov noted adding that the decision of the citizens was binding.
“In a referendum, you, the citizens, directly exercise your sovereign power. The Parliament must respect this decision,” stated President Ivanov.
Only rallying around our state interests, respecting the constitutional and legal order, we may complete our path to the European and Euro-Atlantic family, according to him.
“Without a doubt, the place of the Republic of Macedonia is in the EU and NATO. But, we should join the organization with our human dignity, without intimidation, pressure and double standards. Only then we will be able to tackle the two great challenges,” Ivanov said.
The first one, he said, involves serious and thorough reforms in all segments, and the second challenge is to restore national consensus in order to unite in defensing our state interests and fulfilling our strategic objectives.
President Ivanov also called on the ruling majority to take responsibility for the failed referendum.