Skopje, 3 November (MIA) - Turnout for the two rounds of the local elections was under 50 percent, the lowest since the country gained its independence.

State Election Commission (SEC) data shows that turnout for the mayoral vote in the first round was 48.3 percent, dropping to 41.24 percent in the runoff.

Rosoman and Lozovo saw the highest turnout at 79.68 and 77.85 percent respectively, while Kumanovo and Shuto Orizari the lowest, at 35.7 and 32.03 percent respectively.

Regarding the Skopje Mayor runoff vote, it was even lower, standing at 35.33 percent.

The 2013 local elections saw the highest turnout (67 percent), followed by a continued drop - 60 percent in 2017, 50.57 percent in 2021 and 41.24 percent in 2025.

The required one-thirds turnout was not reached in four municipalities - Gostivar, Vrapchishte, Centar Zhupa and Mavrovo-Rostushe - with a new vote to take place within 60 days from the publishing of the final results of the local elections.

MIA file photo