North Macedonia faces pivotal double election amid EU aspirations

The campaign has been rife with debates over the country’s aspirations to join the European Union, a focal point shaping voter sentiment. While the presidential position holds symbolic significance, it’s the parliamentary contest that holds sway over governmental power dynamics. The center-right opposition coalition, critical of Bulgaria’s terms for North Macedonia’s EU candidacy, emerges as the frontrunner in both electoral fronts.

With over 1,700 candidates vying for the unicameral parliament’s 120 seats, issues like corruption, economic stagnation, and poverty have shared the spotlight. However, the primary bone of contention revolves around Bulgaria’s demand for recognition of North Macedonia’s Bulgarian minority, dividing opinions between the ruling center-left and the opposition.

Despite a mere fraction of the populace identifying as Bulgarians, the issue remains pivotal in the EU candidacy narrative, reflecting North Macedonia’s arduous journey towards EU integration since 2005. Resolving the longstanding name dispute with Greece in 2018 marked progress, yet Bulgaria’s blockade persists, linking EU accession to constitutional amendments.

The VMRO-DPMNE, spearheading the center-right opposition, once challenged the Greece agreement but has since moderated its stance. Its alignment with European alliances suggests a commitment to the EU path, despite internal corruption allegations.

Corruption emerges as a rallying cry for change, with both local and international observers highlighting endemic issues. The VMRO-DPMNE’s accusations of a corruption “pandemic” resonate, although the ruling SDSM acknowledges room for improvement, advocating for stringent measures against graft.

The electoral landscape mirrors ethnic complexities, with Macedonian and Albanian minority coalitions vying for representation. Despite the dominance of Macedonian-centric blocs, Albanian parties wield potential coalition influence, shaping post-election alliances.

As polling forecasts favor the center-right coalition, led by Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, over incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski, the outcome holds implications for North Macedonia’s European trajectory. With smaller parties like ZNAM potentially holding sway, the election’s aftermath promises intricate coalition negotiations and decisive steps towards EU aspirations.