It is a privilege to be posted in the ‘City of Consuls’, Bitola, where the first British consulate in this part of the Balkans, was established during the Ottoman Empire more than 160 years ago.
My new post is as a Long Term Observer for the OSCE/ODIHR international election observation mission, deployed in Bitola, near the Greek and Albanian borders. From 18 September. My team are covering Mayor and local elections in 6 municipalities (the city of Bitola, Demir Hisar, Krushevo, Mogila, Novaci, Resen) – half of Pelagonia region – in round one, 15 October; and covering second round Mayor run-off elections in Mogila, Novaci, and Dolneni municipality, near the city of Prilep for round two, 29 October. Deployed by SOLACE in Business Ltd. (via David Kidger Associates Ltd.) on behalf of the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). My post finished on 4 November and I stayed in the region for a few days to visit a Liverpool friend in Kosovo, a justice system reform expert, and to update my knowledge since my last visit to Prishtina.
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/fyrom/339261 Election Observation Mission (EOM) page
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/fyrom/350136?download=true (Preliminary Statement)
A Liverpool Irish Brit posted in the City of Consuls. Bitola. Observing elections.
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