A referendum will be held in the Republic of Macedonia on 30 September 2018, with voters asked “Do you support EU and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?” It is related to the 27-year long dispute between Republic of Macedonia and Greece over the former’s name and follows an agreement with Greece on the issue which has prevented the accession of Macedonia to the European Union and NATO. The government has already started a social media campaign about the issue of the referendum. The referendum result will be valid if turnout of eligible voters is over 50 percent. Being non-binding, as well as including constitutional changes, its result will still need to be approved by two-thirds of parliament.
The text of the question to be put to voters will be:
Are you in favour of European Union and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?
Sources and Further Reading:
International welcome for ‘North Macedonia’ – but domestic problems
www.makemeaware.com/international-welcome-for-north-macedonia-but-domestic-problems/
Fruitless Years Rowing Over Macedonia – but an end in sight?
www.makemeaware.com/fruitless-years-rowing-macedonia-end-sight/
Macedonia president urges boycott of name-change referendum
Group Says Detected Campaign To Suppress Voter Turnout In Macedonia