Skopje, 2 November 2025 (MIA) – Voting in the runoff of the country’s eighth local elections officially ended at 7 PM Sunday. Citizens were able to vote for mayor in 32 municipalities and the City of Skopje. A vote for municipal council members was also held in three polling stations in the Municipality of Shuto Orizari.

A runoff vote was not held in Gostivar, Vrapchishte, Centar Zhupa, and Mavrovo since the turnout threshold in these municipalities was not met in the first round of the elections, and the entire process will be repeated within 60 days of the local elections.

Citizens were able to vote for mayor in runoffs in the capital as well as in the municipalities of Aerodrom, Bogovinje, Brvenica, Valandovo, Vinica, Debar, Debarca, Demir Kapija, Karposh, Kichevo, Konche, Kochani, Krushevo, Kumanovo, Lozovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mogila, Negotino, Probishtip, Rankovce, Rosoman, Struga, Studenichani, Tetovo, Centar, Cheshinovo Obleshevo, Chucher Sandevo, Shuto Orizari, Dolneni, Dojran, and Zrnovci.

A total of 1.013.375 citizens were eligible to cast their votes in the runoff, with 474.304 citizens eligible to vote in the City of Skopje.

In total, 22 parties, 19 coalitions, and 119 independent groups or candidates took part in the 2025 local elections, including both rounds.

A total of 1.598 observers monitored Sunday’s runoff, including 933 domestic and 651 foreign observers.

The State Election Commission said that by 5 PM on Sunday, voter turnout in Skopje was 28.52 percent, while the turnout nationwide was 39.28 percent. The highest turnout was recorded in Konche (64.44 percent), and the lowest in Saraj at 8.77 percent.

On Saturday, 3.327 sick and infirm cast their ballots, out of the 4.826 registered to vote in the runoff.

“In 14 correctional facilities, where 1.256 individuals serving prison sentences or held in detention are eligible to vote, 588 voters cast their ballots. Of the 214 individuals housed in non-family facilities, 125 had voted by 6:30 PM [on Saturday],” the SEC said.

Party leaderships are in their headquarters, awaiting the results from the vote, which are expected to be announced around midnight.

Photo: MIA