Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova Leads North Macedonia Presidential Election into Runoff

With nearly 40% of the vote, Siljanovska-Davkova sets the stage for a May 8 runoff against incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski.

Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, backed by the center-right VMRO-DPMNE, secured a significant lead in the first round of North Macedonia's presidential election.
No candidate achieved the required majority, prompting a runoff scheduled for May 8, coinciding with parliamentary elections.
Incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski, supported by the ruling socialist party, trailed with about 20% of the vote.
The election is pivotal for North Macedonia's EU membership aspirations, with both leading candidates advocating for accession.
The presidential role, while largely ceremonial, has become a focal point in the broader political and EU integration debates.