President Ivanov Says Referendum Failed

The silent majority has decided, the reality is that the referendum failed. Do not attempt to change this reality, President Gjorge Ivanov said in an address to the nation. “Do not attempt to change this reality, do not underestimate the sovereign will of the Macedonian people. A 36.9% turnout is not the will of the people, 63.1% that didn’t come out to vote is the people’s will. The reality is that the referendum failed. It is time for responsibility. You have reduced the NATO and EU support from 80% to a mere 36.9%. You have been manipulating our citizens and also our European and Euro-Atlantic partners. You have been providing them with false perceptions,” said Ivanov. The referendum is no opinion poll, Ivanov noted adding that the decision of the citizens was binding. “In a referendum, you, the citizens, directly exercise your sovereign power. The Parliament must respect this decision,” stated President Ivanov.