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November 3, 2004

Jason Miko

The stakes this Sunday are high. Regardless of whether or not the referendum passes or fails, this points to major dissatisfaction with the process. One thing is certain: there will be political implications.

But the important thing here is this: voters must be encouraged to cast their vote. The whole concept, advanced by some, of staying home and boycotting the elections, as being somehow “democratic” is ludicrous. This reminds me of the British Monty Python sketches which show a man with a tape recorder up his nose. It is nonsensical.

Last time I checked, most democratic countries of the West spend hundreds of millions of dollars promoting democracy, the fundamental pillar of which is the right to vote. And true to life, as democracy and voting are promoted, people acquiring this right will go to great lengths for the right to vote. They stand in long lines waiting all day. They brave foul weather. They defy those who would try to keep them from voting either through verbal intimidation or physical intimidation. So powerful is the ballot, that individuals around the world will literally die, exercising their right to vote.

As America’s most listened-to radio broadcaster Paul Harvey recently said when you don’t use your vote, you throw it away. And it’s been said that bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.

Back in my home state of Arizona, Amanda Mendoza, a new U.S. citizen, was quoted in the paper last week saying she was looking forward to our elections. But what she said went to the very heart of what a democracy is all about and explains why she wanted to become a U.S. citizen. She said “It's just one vote, but that vote means the world to me. I'll actually be able to make a difference after all these years. I encourage everybody to vote. It's the wonderful right we have.”

And while this article is coming out as my country goes to vote and we don’t know the results, just remember the year 2000 elections and the state of Florida where 537 votes made the difference. One vote matters. Author Louis L’Amour said “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

Finally, how can one blame the Serbs for not voting in the Kosovo elections in late October on the one hand, and then turn around and tell the Macedonians not to vote in the referendum on the other hand? Regarding those elections, U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said “We do regret that some politicians discouraged people from voting. We are deeply disappointed that many Kosovo Serbs chose not to vote. It is our view that that decision is self-defeating. Taking part in Kosovo's institutions is the best way for all communities in Kosovo to advance their legitimate interests,” he said. Isn’t this a double-standard? Yes, it’s the man with the tape recorder up his nose.

That’s why if it wasn’t so sad it would almost be funny listening to many so-called leaders alternatively telling people to stay at home on Sunday and boycott the elections or else talking about how if the referendum passes, it will be a set-back for Macedonia. In particular, I am quite bemused by comments by some that if the referendum passes, no only will it be a step back, but that Macedonia should also learn about society tolerance from Bulgaria.

Of course that “democrat,” Ali Ahmeti, says he just won’t vote at the referendum at all. He is boycotting the referendum and asking his acolytes to do the same, but then again, he really doesn’t believe in the ballot box at all not in 2001 and not now…it’s bullets, not ballots. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln said “Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets.” Take a cue from ole Abe, Ali.

The October 16-22 issue of The Economist, in an article about Macedonia and the referendum, notes “The polls suggest that, with less than a month to go, a majority will indeed reject the government’s municipal-boundaries plan.  If this happens, Hari Kostov, the prime minister, says that the government will resign.  That will mean total chaos, says Mr. Ordanoski.  But war?  “No,” promises Ermira Mehmeti, spokeswoman of the government’s leading ethnic-Albanian party.” The article goes on to note, wryly, “Her boss, an ex-guerilla leader, Ali Ahmeti, also says that he does not expect to have to pick up a gun again.  But he adds menacingly that he could not remain ‘indifferent’ if the referendum put the Ohrid peace deal in question.”

It is unconscionable that Mr. Ahmeti did not outright reject the use of violence. He should have flat out said “no” instead of saying that he does not expect to have to pick up a gun. And what is this with not remaining “indifferent?” Any other politician in any other country in the world (but especially a Macedonian one) would have been roundly and soundly slammed by the international community for that remark. But then again, Mr. Ahmeti is a darling of the West for his public relations acumen and suave persona not for his commitment to democracy.

And in a recent report by BBC, British author Tim Judah notes that the Government has admitted to making mistakes. He notes that a high official in Macedonia “…admits mistakes were made. We mishandled the whole negotiating process. We played this as if we were amateurs.” On Sunday, it’s time to pay up for that mistake.

It is interesting, at the end of the day, to note that certain individuals and groups in Macedonia and abroad always point to Switzerland as a model for Macedonia. I’m not sure if they realize this, but the unique Swiss model of democracy is based on the referendum – the Swiss hold several each year. Those who suggest Macedonia be like Switzerland on the one hand and yet say the referendum is a bad idea and that voters boycott it on the other, are nothing less than prevaricating frauds.

Finally, it is important to remember the words of the late President Trajkovski on the issue of voting. He once said “ I am counting on each and every one of you to help realize this common vision. Voting is not only a right, but is a responsibility, and I call upon each of you to exercise that civic responsibility. Each one of you who is eligible must vote on Sunday.”

The right to vote is precious. Use it or lose it.

Jason Miko is a free thinker and the views expressed herein are wholly his own. He can be reached at janos@earthlink.net