North Macedonia Votes for President in Crucial Poll amid EU Membership Bid

As voting is underway in North Macedonia to elect a president, the outcome of this election could have significant implications for the country’s future in the European Union. The diverse Balkan country, with a population of 2.3 million, has 1.8 million registered voters participating in the election.

The incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski, representing the pro-European Social Democrats, is seeking a second term and faces competition from Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the opposition VMRO DPMNE coalition. The two candidates have differing views on how to address Bulgaria’s demand for recognition of a Bulgarian ethnic minority in North Macedonia’s constitution in exchange for support for its EU bid.

The outcome of this election could impact North Macedonia’s EU membership bid, which began in 2022 and has been a long-standing goal for the country since 2005. The country has already made significant strides towards EU integration, including changing its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia in 2019 and joining NATO in 2020.

Voters in North Macedonia are hopeful that the election will lead to progress towards EU membership and a brighter future for the country. With high expectations for a civic movement to prevail, many are eager to see North Macedonia become a full-fledged EU member after years of waiting.

The presidential election is just the beginning, as a parliamentary vote is scheduled for May 8. If the presidential election goes to a second round, a run-off vote will also be held on the same day. With seven candidates vying for the presidency, the election campaign has focused on issues such as the rule of law, fighting corruption, and reducing poverty.

As the results of the presidential election are awaited, the future of North Macedonia’s EU membership bid hangs in the balance, with the outcome of this election potentially shaping the country’s path towards European integration.