North Macedonia Holds First Round of Presidential Elections Amid Allegations of Hate Speech

North Macedonia is holding the first round of its presidential elections on April 24, 2024, with seven candidates vying for the top office. The incumbent president, Stevo Pendarovski, supported by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova from the opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, are leading the race.

Pendarovski has filed a complaint to the Election Commission over alleged hate speech during the campaign. The presidential election will be followed by the general elections on May 8, 2024, which will be a confrontation between the SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE, the two main political forces in the country.

The campaigns for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are ongoing, with the candidates presenting their programs to the citizens. The SDSM party and the Coalition for a European Future, as well as the DUI-led European Front coalition, are holding rallies in Skopje. Other parties, such as the Vredi coalition and the KNOWS movement, are also campaigning.

Pendarovski has accepted an invitation to participate in a debate with all the presidential candidates on national public television. He has also expressed concerns about alleged issues with the use of the public service to create false polls and debates on the rating of political parties and presidential candidates, thereby fabricating public opinion.

Siljanovska-Davkova has been campaigning, criticizing her opponents and the current government, accusing them of corruption, privatizing the state, and acting like 'Roman consuls.' She has also filed a complaint to the Election Commission over alleged hate speech.

Why this matters: The presidential and parliamentary elections in North Macedonia are critical for the country's future, as they will determine the direction of its domestic and foreign policies. The outcome of these elections will also impact North Macedonia's path towards European Union integration and its relations with neighbouring countries.

During a campaign event, Pendarovski compared the holders of lists in Electoral Unit 4 of the two largest political parties, SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE, Venko Filipce and Aleksandar Nikoloski, stating that "Filipce could work anywhere in the world unlike Nikoloski who was paid by the party." Pendarovski also praised Filipce's availability and work ethic, saying he was available 24/7 even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• North Macedonia to hold presidential election on April 24, 2024.
• Incumbent Pendarovski (SDSM) and Siljanovska-Davkova (VMRO-DPMNE) lead the race.
• General elections scheduled for May 8, 2024, a contest between SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE.
• Pendarovski and Siljanovska-Davkova file complaints over alleged hate speech.
• Elections crucial for North Macedonia's EU integration and regional relations.