The International Foundation for Electoral Systems' (IFES) work in North Macedonia stems from over a decade of targeted electoral assistance in the Balkans and over two decades of technical specialization on electoral processes and access. In light of recent political developments in North Macedonia, the will for reforms and more transparent, democratic processes has positioned IFES for increased impact.

Building upon previous projects, IFES is currently implementing two projects in North Macedonia. The first, made possible with funding from the United States Agency for International Development, supports building a better environment for free and fair elections by assisting the State Election Commission. The project’s primary focus is to support election management and administration, particularly for the 2018 national referendum, 2019 presidential election and 2020 local and national elections. One key element of IFES programming is assisting North Macedonia’s political finance oversight institution in streamlining political finance regulation best practices and encouraging further reforms.

The second project, funded by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, mobilizes support to electoral reforms in North Macedonia and strengthens its institutions to conduct a free and fair electoral process. Additionally, this project, implemented alongside the National Youth Council of Macedonia, engages and empowers local populations from across the country to hold their representatives accountable.