North Macedonia, aspiring EU member, holds presidential elections

Presidential elections in North Macedonia are heating up as candidates focus on key issues such as EU accession and the rule of law. With seven candidates vying for the largely ceremonial position, the race is expected to go to a second round of voting on May 8.

The latest poll shows opposition-backed Gordana Siljanovska Davkova leading the incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski by 3.6 percentage points. Pendarovski, supported by the governing social democrats, is seeking a second term, while Siljanovska Davkova, backed by the main opposition coalition, aims to bring about change.

One of the major points of contention in the campaign is how to address Bulgaria’s demand for recognition of a Bulgarian ethnic minority in North Macedonia’s constitution. Failure to meet this demand could result in Bulgaria blocking North Macedonia’s EU membership bid.

North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU accession since 2005, but formal membership talks only began recently, with the process expected to take several years to complete.

In addition to the leading candidates, other contenders include law professor Biljana Vankovska, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, and Arben Taravari from an opposition ethnic Albanian party.

With a requirement of at least 40% turnout for a valid result, the outcome of the election will be closely watched. International observers will be monitoring the process, with the first results expected to be announced early Thursday.

As North Macedonia navigates its path towards EU membership, the outcome of the presidential race will have significant implications for the country’s future direction.