The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has announced an early parliamentary election is to be held on June 5. It follows months of political deadlock linked to a corruption scandal, which resulted in the dissolution of parliament.<br /><br /> The situation intensified this week when President Gjorge Ivanov officially pardoned 56 officials and the former prime minister, all of whom are alleged to have been involved in a wiretapping operation.<br /><br /> Ivanov stood by the move, saying:<br /><br /> “I think the decision protects the state’s interest and I inform you that I am standing by it. Anyone who thinks that a right has been taken from him or that I have done him a bad turn, or wants to prove his innocence in court, I call on him personally, in writing, to submit a request to annul the decision regarding him.”<br /><br /> The opposition has already announced it will boycott the June vote.
