Skopje, 2 November 2025 (MIA) – The second round of the country’s local elections on Sunday were held in an exceptionally peaceful, fair, and democratic atmosphere, without serious incidents and without disturbances of public peace and order, said Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski at a press conference after polls closed on Sunday.

“This is yet another confirmation that the citizens, institutions, and the Interior Ministry have demonstrated maturity and responsibility, which contributed to Macedonia having one of the most peaceful elections in recent years. I would like to express my immense gratitude to all police officers who carried out their duties professionally and flawlessly, as well as to the electoral boards, observers, and the representatives of the political parties. Above all, I would like to thank the Macedonian citizens for believing in democracy and for demonstrating their will in a peaceful and dignified manner,” the Minister stressed.

According to the Interior Ministry, voting began on time at most polling stations, with brief delays reported at nine locations. Temporary interruptions were registered at eight polling stations due to technical issues with the biometric identification devices, which were resolved promptly and did not affect the flow or legality of the electoral process.

Toshkovski noted that a total of 30 incidents were reported across the country during the day, with the highest number of reports registered in Skopje. The Minister said seven cases involved campaigning near polling stations, five concerned possible vote-buying or election-related bribery, and four reports were over unauthorized presence at polling stations.

The Ministry also registered isolated cases involving obstruction of voting, photographing of ballots, unauthorized photographing of citizens, and individual incidents involving threats. Following the conducted checks, allegations in 19 out of 26 processed cases were not confirmed; in some instances, it was determined that there was no basis for further action, while in others, the cases were documented or appropriate measures were taken.

“It is important to stress that all reports, regardless of their nature, were processed with full seriousness and professionalism. The police’s reaction was timely, precise, and efficient,” Toshkovski said.

At present, according to Toshkovski, police activities are ongoing in relation to four incidents involving possible vote-buying, unauthorized photographing, campaigning, and inappropriate conduct by members of election boards. At the same time, the Interior Ministry’s cybercrime unit has recorded 18 social media posts related to the electoral process, which, he said, are under review and are being handled in accordance with legal procedures.

“The most important thing is that the day passed peacefully, without pressure and without more serious incidents. That is a shared success of the police, the institutions, and the citizens. Today we once again showed that Macedonia can hold elections befitting all European democracies,” Toshkovski stressed.

Photo: MIA