Skopje, 2 November 2026 – The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AVMU) strongly rejects SDSM’s accusations that it attempted to prohibit the media from broadcasting the press conference held by Venko Filipche during the election silence period. These accusations are unfounded and represent an attempt to portray the Agency’s lawful actions as censorship, when in fact they amount to a routine reminder of legal obligations.
The Electoral Code clearly defines the restrictions applicable during the election silence period, including the prohibition on broadcasting statements made by representatives of political parties (Article 76-b, paragraph 3 of the Electoral Code). The law applies equally to everyone, and all parties, without exception, are obliged to comply with their legal obligations.
The document that Venko Filipche refers to as “some kind of letter” is an official communication entitled “Reminder on the Election Silence Period for the Early Elections for Mayor of the Municipality of Brvenica.” The Agency sent it by email to national media and to media whose programmes can be received within the territory of the Municipality of Brvenica, with one clear purpose: to remind them of the rules and obligations laid down in the Electoral Code. This communication is neither a ban nor censorship, nor is it an attempt to restrict the right to information. It is the fulfilment of the Agency’s statutory responsibilities, which cannot be equated with censorship simply because they do not serve someone’s political interests.
The reminder regarding the election silence period for the first round was sent on 15 October 2026, shortly after 1 p.m., while the reminder for the second round was sent on 29 October at 3:17 p.m. Both communications have been publicly published on the Agency’s website and unequivocally demonstrate that this is a regular institutional practice, representing preventive action aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
It is extremely irresponsible and unacceptable for a political party, particularly the largest opposition party, to organize a press conference during the election silence period. Such conduct puts the media in a position where they are faced with the dilemma of whether to violate the Electoral Code. No political party should expect its political interests to take precedence over the law.
The Agency firmly upholds media freedom and freedom of expression. However, these freedoms must not be used to justify ignoring legal obligations, nor should the regulator’s lawful actions be portrayed as censorship for the purposes of daily political agendas. The Agency will continue to act independently and professionally, strictly within the scope of its statutory powers, without selectivity or exceptions and without yielding to political pressure or manipulation.