18:30 – We’re a few minutes away from the wrap-up of the voting process in North Macedonia and the turnout has reached 48.62%.

In the two most important communes for Albanians in North Macedonia, Tetovo and Gostivar, the turnout was lower than the national average.

Around 37% headed to the polls in Gostivar and 40% in Tetovo. A low participation has also been reported in Struke and Kercove.

North Macedonia is holding its second round of local elections today. Runoffs are being held in 44 communes, including the capital city of Skopje. 1 million and 353 thousand voters are participating in the process.

Until 16:00, 33.51% of eligible voters have cast their vote. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that no serious incidents were reported during the process.

Leaders of ethnic Albanian parties in North Macedonia made numerous calls during the day for citizens to come out and aim for a massive turnout.

During the first round of voting, only BDI was able to claim victory in 2 communes, whereas other Albanian parties are all participating in today’s runoffs.

The 2 most important communes for Albanians in North Macedonia are Tetovo and Gostivar.

The polls are expected to close at 19:00, whereas preliminary results are set to be announced by 21:00 p.m., tonight.

In the first round of votes held on October 17, 33 mayors were able to be appointed, with VMRO-DPMNE winning the majority of votes in 22 communes, the Social Democratic Alliance winning in 9 communes and BDI, in 3 communes.

North Macedonia is divided into a total of 80 communes. These elections are being monitored by 1600 local and foreign observers.