Skopje, 15 May 2024 (MIA) - SDSM’s highest bodies will meet next week to finalize preparations for the holding of a congress after the party’s defeat in the elections on April 24 and May 8.

“Processes are underway in line with the statutory proceedings and what was publicly announced after the elections. The leadership of SDSM and the Executive Board are expected to hold meetings next week in order to launch the procedure for the holding of a party congress,” the party said.

The congress, said the party, will review the reasons for the party’s result at the elections, the realized analyses and reports on the party’s work.

“In line with the Statute, at the congress the party is expected to define the deadlines and the manner of holding intra-party elections. The recovery process will take place on all levels of the party, a party leader will be elected, vice president, leadership, all bodies of the party on the central and local level,” SDSM said.

SDSM suffered a defeat at the presidential and parliamentary elections held on April 24 and May 8. Former President Stevo Pendarovski, who was running for re-election with SDSM’s backing lost to VMRO-DPMNE's candidate, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, in the second round of the elections, winning 251.899 votes, or 29.25% compared to Siljanovska-Davkova's 561.000, or 65.14%.

At the parliamentary elections, the party’s coalition won 18 seats in the 120-seat Parliament. 

Photo: MIA Archive