The recent presidential runoff and parliamentary election in North Macedonia have been dominated by issues such as the country’s slow progress towards EU membership and its struggling economy. Opposition candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova made significant gains in the first round of voting, and if elected, she would become the first woman president of the country. Incumbent Stevo Pendarovski is supported by the governing center-left coalition but faced a tough challenge in the runoff.
The outcome of the elections is crucial for North Macedonia’s future, as it aims to join the European Union and improve its economy. The campaign focused on issues such as corruption, poverty, economic growth, and the rule of law. The opposition VMRO-DPMNE party, led by Hristijan Mickoski, has been leading in opinion polls over the coalition “For A European Future,” led by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia. The elections are seen as a determining factor for the country’s direction in the next decade.
The high stakes of these elections were evident in the voter turnout, with citizens expecting changes in the country’s leadership and policies. Both candidates emphasized the importance of the elections for the future of North Macedonia and its citizens. Ethnic Albanian minority groups also have representation through two coalitions in the elections, highlighting the country’s diverse population and political landscape.
North Macedonia’s path to EU membership has been hindered by neighboring Bulgaria, which demands constitutional amendments to recognize a Bulgarian minority in the country. Despite past disputes over the country’s name with Greece, North Macedonia resolved that issue in 2018. The ongoing blockage from Bulgaria presents a new challenge for the country’s EU aspirations, and both political parties have differing views on how to handle this issue.
Overall, the political landscape in North Macedonia is at a critical juncture, with the outcome of these elections potentially shaping the country’s future trajectory. The citizens of North Macedonia have expressed their desire for change and improvement in governance, economy, and the country’s path towards EU membership. The results of the presidential runoff and parliamentary election will have far-reaching implications for the country’s relationship with the EU, its economy, and its internal political dynamics.
With over 50 countries set to hold elections in 2024, North Macedonia’s political landscape serves as a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing nations globally. The country’s journey towards EU membership, economic stability, and political reform resonates with many countries grappling with similar issues. As the preliminary results of the elections are awaited, North Macedonia stands at a crucial crossroad, with the potential for significant changes in its leadership and policies.
