Indicators of Democratic Awareness in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The Republic of Macedonia, as a relatively young democratic country, gained its independence in the year 1991 following the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In this sense, the Macedonian society is regarded as a society in democratic transition. Therefore, the discussions concerning the relevance and significance of democracy, as a precondition for the global development of the society, represent an integral part of the current political and academic debates in the Republic of Macedonia. This paper examines the democratic awareness of Macedonian citizens, i.e. their habits, viewpoints and behavior as well as the extent of correspondence with the fundamental principles of democratic postulate. Additionally, the paper gives an insight into the perception of the Macedonian citizens regarding the level of the democracy within the Macedonian society, as well as the perception of their own democratization and willingness to cope with the issues in a manner which is in line with the democratic standards and principles.