Presidential elections are held in North Macedonia / Article

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The two main contenders for the high office are incumbent President Stevo Pendarovskis, who is supported by the ruling Social Democrats, and Gordana Silianovska-Davkova, supported by the centre-right opposition. In the previous vote in 2019, Pendarovskis won the battle between the two leaders, but this time, public opinion polls indicate a possible rematch of the rival.

Both are likely to compete in the second round, which will be held on May 8 at the same time as the parliamentary elections.

Experts have pointed out that this vote can be considered a dress rehearsal before the parliamentary elections. The main issues in the campaign are North Macedonia’s progress towards the European Union, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and poverty, as well as the sluggish economic development.

These elections are seen as a major test for the country’s political parties, which continue to bicker over the country’s stalled European Union (EU) membership talks. The opinions of the seven presidential candidates are divided on the country’s main condition for EU membership, namely whether to recognize the rights of the Bulgarian minority in the country in the constitution. Due to this issue, Bulgaria has been blocking North Macedonia’s bid to join the EU for two years.

Relations with neighboring countries also cause problems. There was a dispute with Greece over the name of the country for many years, which was resolved in 2018. Relations are strained with Bulgaria, which wants the rights of the Bulgarian minority to be included in the country’s constitution.

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