referendum

'Even though many people would have liked to see a higher turnout, I am pleased that the overwhelming majority of those who did make use of their democratic right voted for the agreement with Greece,' Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.

'Yesterday’s referendum in FYROM was completed with an overwhelming majority voting ‘Yes’, which is a positive development on the path toward ratifying and putting into effect the Prespa Agreement,' Tzanakopoulos noted.

The fact that two-thirds of the electorate did not vote in the referendum was a significant blow for Zaev, as it requires participation of over 50 percent of registered voted to be considered valid.

According to Laura Cooper, the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, Moscow is paying voters to abstain from the referendum.