[ido]

Unless there was foul play involved, if among 36.89% majority voted to join NATO and the rest didn't care enough to vote - isn't that an argument in favor of joining?

[binarray2000]

According to the Macedonian constitution, the turnout must be over 50%. Hence the boycot.

And, what does that say about the oh-so-democratic West if less than 40% people turn out and it still "accepts" a country as a member?

[ido]

That's where more context is needed - was the low turn over a protest vote (or protest lack of vote)? Was it indifference? Was it sabotage by the government (making voting hard)? I think these questions will determine the answer.

[nicbou]

Was it a boycott or indifference?

[forum_ghost]

Referendums, especially binding referendums, generally have high thresholds.

Maybe an argument, but a very weak one.