THEME FOR DEBATING

Why do We Need the NGO Fair?

The question that we are asking at the “Civic World” Forum in this edition refers to a planned activity, that is, the NGO Fair, which was established last autumn, with an intention to become traditional. Last year, the NGO Fair exceeded the expectations of many people – it demonstrated an exceptional variety of non-governmental organizations, projects, activities and products. It was also a forum for discussions on different topics and was attended not only by the NGO sector and the media – the government bodies showed great interest, too.
Recalling that event and expecting for the next, this year’s NGO Fair, we ask the question that refers to the need and importance of this manifestation. You can send your attitudes and opinions on this subject at the FORUM on our web-site: www.graganskisvet.org.mk  and www.civicworld.org.mk .

For a start, we present several opinions on this subject:

Daniela Stojanovska, MEM:
NGO Fair is very important for the non-governmental organizations work. Most of all, it is important for relating the great number of associations in Macedonia to one another, and introducing them to the DONORS, the government bodies, the business sector, and of course-to the citizens.

Ivan Dodovski:
We live in a radically partied society. There are people who, unfortunately, think that this is normal and that the party should be the only horizon of the citizen. The NGO Fair can help us overcome that misbelieve and express the possibilities and the challenges of civic action. The NGO Fair is also a tool for demistifying all slanders against the NGO sector, which lately, become more and more severe.

Gramos Shabani, MCIC:
The NGO Fair is the right place where citizens can be introduced to the NGO activities from the country. It is also a place where thoughts and ideas can be exchanged among organizations themselves.


From the Last Month’s Debate
Should the NGOs be involved in the activities related to the elections?

Last month we raised a question that became a top-issue these days: Should the NGOs be involved in the activities related to the elections? We present the opinions of several people active in the non-governmental movement:
Biljana Bejkova, Euro Balkan:
The answer is definitely- yes. The NGOs should be involved in the elections, but in the service of citizens and not the political parties. The citizens should be familiarized with their voters’ rights, should be informed and educated and if their rights are violated, they should know where to turn to- these are the responsibilities that the NGOs should be in charge of.

Pece Taleski, OHO:
Of course they should, if not, what would be the sense of non-governmental organizing? If we don’t have democratic elections, than what is the use of our standing for the wandering dogs?

Nijazi Asanovski:
It is my opinion that the NGO should take part in the electoral activities to prevent the various manipulations of the political parties and violation of the citizens’ right to vote. Four years ago many citizens were manipulated – forced or bribed to vote.