Today, North Macedonia is holding presidential elections, with a second round of voting likely on May 8 due to the expected failure of any candidate to secure over 50% of the vote. The country, which has been striving to join the European Union for nearly two decades, is focusing its attention on key issues such as EU accession, the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and poverty reduction.
Seven candidates are vying for the largely ceremonial position, with opposition-backed Gordana Siljanovska Davkova currently holding a lead over incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski. The candidates have been divided on how to address Bulgaria's demand for recognition of a Bulgarian ethnic minority in North Macedonia's constitution, a requirement for the country's EU membership.
North Macedonia, a candidate for EU membership since 2005, only began membership talks in 2022, with a lengthy process expected ahead. The election also features other candidates such as law professor Biljana Vankovska, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, and Arben Taravari from an opposition ethnic Albanian party.
If no candidate secures victory today, a second round will be held between the top two contenders, with a minimum 40% turnout required for a valid result. The country has 1.8 million registered voters out of a population of 2.3 million.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, with no exit polls available. The first results are expected early Thursday, and the election is being monitored by around 320 international observers.
