Most credit for successfully conducted electoral process should go to the authorities, as they were supposed to provide order, peace and democratic atmosphere. Thus, we'd like to congratulate the ruling party, the VMRO-DPMNE, which two nights ago peacefully transferred power into the hands of the Social Democrats. Contrary to all sorts of accusations that the ruling party was preparing and perfidiously planning disturbances and violence in case it lost, and even arrests of political opponents, intellectuals and journalists, led by Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski it tried to prove otherwise. And succeeded.
Furthermore, Georgievski demonstrated surprising determination to conduct a "positive" electoral campaign. Finally, he courageously conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent. He even went a step further and accepted the defeat as a wise decision of the Macedonian nation and the will of God. We dare say that for such courageous attitude Georgievski deserved at least a few words of praise from his opponent, Branko Crvenkovski. We are convinced that the victor now regrets not doing so in his first public address after the triumph.
Whatever the case, all the most important politicians in the country deserve to be commended. Regardless of the fierceness of their election campaigns, most of them found courage to avoid dangerous adventurism, did not permit fear or disappointment of the forthcoming defeat to induce them to violence, nor the euphoria of forthcoming victory to cheap gloating, when one easily loses his senses and forgets the obligation that Crvenkovski failed to mention - that a lot of hard work awaits the winner.
The decision of the Macedonian electorate to change the party in power is unquestionable and wise. In opposition, Georgievski can now quietly ponder his mistakes as the Prime Minister and why the electorate denied him a second term in office. Former opposition leader Crvenkovski has a few days to consider what new Prime Minister Crvenkovski needs to do. He has inherited from the previous government many problems, difficult obligations in connection with the implementation of initiated and promised reforms, but also some positive achievements that will serve as a foundation for the future successes of the new cabinet. Besides, the coalition "For Macedonia Together" starts with huge support of the electorate, with an absolute majority in the parliament and with open support of the international factor.
Time files by. Crvenkovski has no time for celebrating. The victor has already faced his first challenge - Ali Ahmeti's party expects to be invited to form a coalition with the Social Democrats. Opposition leader Georgievski is waiting for his chance. Peace in the country is still fragile. In one word, the Balkan champion in democracy will very soon have to prove that she deserves the title.