Macedonians vote on change country’s designation

SANAA, Sept. 30 (YPA) – The polling stations opened their doors to vote in a non-binding consultative referendum on Macedonia’s accession to NATO and the European Union in accordance with an agreement with Greece to change the country’s name.

On 17 June, Greece signed an agreement with the Republic of Macedonia, through which the longstanding dispute over the official designation of the latter was resolved.

The agreement has provoked mixed reactions in Greece and Macedonia and has received strong objections from the residents of both countries.

Polls for some 1.8 million voters will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The question on the referendum ballot is: “Are you for NATO and EU membership with acceptance of the agreement with Greece”.

Preliminary results of the referendum are expected to appear on Sunday evening, as well as the initial official results must be announced within 24 hours after the closure of the polling stations, and the final result shall be announced within a period not exceeding 15 days.

About 12,000 local observers and about 500 foreign observers will monitor the voting process.

Sameera Hassn