The presidential race in North Macedonia officially began, with seven candidates competing for the largely ceremonial post. Campaign season has started, allowing candidates to make speeches, hold rallies, and present their agendas. The election will take place in two rounds, with the first round scheduled for April 24 and the second round coinciding with the general election on May 8. Incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski is currently leading in the polls, seeking a second five-year term with support from the governing social democrats. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova of the main opposition center-right VMRO-DPMNE coalition is also a prominent candidate, having run for the presidency in the previous election in 2019. Other candidates include law professor Biljana Vankovska, two members of the ethnic Albanian minority, and two mayors.
The election uses a two-round system, requiring a candidate to receive over 50% of the vote from all 1.8 million registered voters in the first round. In the second round, a turnout of at least 40% is necessary for the result to be valid. The current frontrunner, President Pendarovski, is seeking to continue his presidency, while Siljanovska Davkova aims to secure the position for the opposition coalition. Other candidates from different backgrounds, including an ethnic Albanian minority, are also competing for the presidency. The election will play a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape and direction for the next five years.
The diverse set of candidates offers voters a range of choices, with each candidate presenting their own unique agenda and vision for the country. Incumbent President Pendarovski is seeking re-election with the support of the social democrats, while Siljanovska Davkova is representing the main opposition center-right coalition. The other candidates, including law professor Vankovska and ethnic Albanian representatives, bring different perspectives and priorities to the race. Voters will have the opportunity to evaluate the candidates’ platforms and decide who they believe is best suited to lead the country as president.
The presidential election in North Macedonia is an important democratic process that will determine the country’s leadership for the next five years. With a two-round system in place, the election requires candidates to secure a majority of the vote in the first round or face a runoff in the second round. The turnout threshold is also crucial for the validity of the election results. The candidates will engage in campaign activities, including speeches and rallies, to connect with voters and garner support for their campaigns. As the election unfolds, the candidates will make their case to the electorate, highlighting their qualifications, experience, and plans for the future of North Macedonia.
The outcome of the presidential election will have significant implications for North Macedonia’s political landscape and policy direction. Incumbent President Pendarovski’s bid for re-election, along with the opposition coalition’s candidate Siljanovska Davkova, reflects the ongoing political competition in the country. The diverse set of candidates, representing different parties and backgrounds, offers voters a choice in determining the future leadership of North Macedonia. The election process, with its two-round system and turnout requirements, ensures that the winning candidate garners broad support from the electorate. As the campaign season unfolds, voters will have the opportunity to assess the candidates’ qualifications and policy proposals, ultimately deciding on the country’s next president.
