CIAO DATE: 07/04

Macedonian Government Expects Setback in Local Elections

Abstract

The Macedonian electorate will drap itself wearily to the polls on 10 September 2000. This year's local elections follow the 1999 presidential election, 1998 parliamentary elections, and 1996 local elections. The chronic campaign cycle, semmingly endless political sloganeering, and constant criticism from international observers have createc fatigue among the electorate. As in 1996, the local elections will have hardly anything to do with running municipal governements, and everything to do with validating the current national government. Early polls indicate most voters will use the opportunity to voice their frustration against the ruling coalition.

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