On April 21, 2004, the Union of Womens Organizations in Macedonia (SOZM) proposed a change in Macedonian local election law to guarantee the equal representation of female candidates. Currently, women comprise only 18.4% of parliamentary legislators, 8.4% of city and municipal council members, and 3% of mayors. In its press release, the SOZM argued that [t]he successful development of Macedonia, must not ignore the abilities, skills and creativity of women, but must include them on an equal basis in decision-making on all levels.
Adapted from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Newsline, Vol. 8, No. 76, Part II, 23 April 2004.