In the footsteps of Alexander the Great: Macedonia

Robert mcdaid, ESB Networks, Sligo, recently paid a visit to Macedonia as part of an international group observing the general election held on the 5th of June.

Macedonia was the most southerly republic in the old Yugoslavia. It is now an independent state that has applied for membership to the European Union. The population is just over two million, about 65% Macedonian Christians, 25% Albanian Muslims, with small minorities of Turks, Roma and others. With an official unemployment rate of 37% and an average monthly wage of €213, it is economically depressed, with many Macedonians forced to emigrate in search of a better life.

I had previously observed the 2002 general election. This time I was sent to Ohrid, in the Southwest of the country, described as the jewel of the Macedonian crown. The most recent election was the ninth to have been observed by International Monitoring Agencies. By and large, the reports and conduct were positive, even though a small number of serious incidents occurred.

From a visitor's point of view, it is very much a low-cost holiday option. Food, drink and accommodation are not expensive, the scenery is spectacular, the roads are much better than in parts of Ireland, and English is widely spoken. If you want my opinion, visit Ohrid before too many tourists find out about it!