The candidate of the right-wing opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Gordana Siljanovska, achieved a clear victory in yesterday’s first round of presidential elections, prevailing with twice the percentage of her main opponent, the candidate of the governing Social Democratic Party (SDSM) and outgoing president of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski.

According to the results announced by the country’s State Election Commission, with 92% of the votes counted, Gordana Siljanovska gathers 40% of the votes, while Stevo Pendarovski has only 20% of the votes. Third comes the candidate of the governing Albanian party DUI and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani (13.6%), and fourth is the candidate of the coalition of four opposition Albanian parties, Arbën Taravari (9.6%).

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In the first round of presidential elections in North Macedonia, seven candidates participated, but none secured over 50% of the total electorate, leading to a runoff between the top two candidates. Gordana Siljanovska and Stevo Pendarovski will compete in the second round on May 8th, alongside parliamentary elections. Siljanovska hailed the outcome as exceptional and expressed pride in her supporters, while Pendarovski acknowledged the unfavorable result and vowed to turn it around. VMRO-DPMNE leader Mickoski predicted Siljanovska’s victory and his party’s success in forming the next government. SDSM leader Kovachevski admitted disappointment with the election result and viewed it as a setback for the country’s European perspective. Analysts in Skopje noted the significant victory of Siljanovska, suggesting it would be difficult to overturn in the second round.

Its estimated that the recent election results convey disapproval towards the ruling Social Democratic Party, which is experiencing turmoil following Zoran Zaev’s resignation. Additionally, they warn that the SDSM faces the possibility of a significant defeat in the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 8th.