North Macedonia Expects Peaceful Election Day as Citizens Vote in Parliamentary Elections

North Macedonia is set to hold parliamentary elections on April 21, 2024, with citizens casting their votes in what is expected to be a peaceful election day. The campaign has focused on key issues such as the country's path to EU accession, rule of law, corruption, poverty alleviation, and economic revitalization.

Incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski is seeking a second term, advocating for a 'new realism' approach to EU integration. His main challenger, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, calls for deep systemic reforms to address the country's challenges. A key point of contention is North Macedonia's EU candidacy, which faces obstacles due to a dispute with Bulgaria over language and cultural heritage.

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in North Macedonia, with both leading candidates pledging to tackle the problem head-on. Notably, one candidate, Stevcho Jakimovski, faces scrutiny over his inclusion on a U.S. list of individuals suspected of corruption.

Why this matters: The outcome of the parliamentary elections will shape North Macedonia's trajectory towards EU integration and its efforts to combat corruption, with implications for both domestic governance and international relations.

An international election observation mission, a joint effort between the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), has deployed 234 observers to assess the electoral process and ensure a peaceful and democratic election day. The mission will hold a press conference to present their findings following the election.

The National Electoral Commission has registered 1,814,317 eligible voters for the parliamentary election. A total of 942 observers, including the OSCE mission, foreign reporters, and translators, have been accredited to monitor the proceedings.

As North Macedonia heads to the polls, the election outcome will have significant implications for the country's future. "The election silence period is in effect ahead of the Wednesday presidential vote, with infirm, inmates, and persons with expired documents since July 24, 2023, able to vote," according to election officials. With 342 domestic and 568 foreign observers accredited for the presidential elections, the international community is closely watching the democratic process unfold in North Macedonia.

Key Takeaways

• North Macedonia to hold parliamentary elections on April 21, 2024.
• Incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski seeks re-election, faces challenger Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.
• Corruption remains a key issue, with one candidate facing scrutiny over corruption allegations.
• OSCE and PACE to deploy 234 observers to monitor the electoral process.
• 1,814,317 eligible voters registered, with 942 observers accredited to monitor the proceedings.