Overview

• VMRO-DPMNE, led by Hristijan Mickoski, gains significant ground in parliamentary and presidential races, signaling a shift in political power.
• Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova secures a commanding lead in the presidential runoff, marking potential changes in policy direction.
• Disputes with EU neighbors, particularly over historical and linguistic issues with Bulgaria, dominate the electoral discourse.
• Voter dissatisfaction with corruption and economic stagnation fuels opposition gains, challenging the center-left SDSM's policies.
• The election results could impact North Macedonia's long-stalled EU accession talks, with constitutional amendments at stake.