Gordana Siljanovska

Preliminary results from Sunday's second round of presidential elections in North Macedonia suggested that Stevo Pendarovski, the candidate supported by the country's ruling parties, has won the election, after taking a firm lead against his rival, Gordana Siljanovska, who was backed by the main opposition VMRO DPMNE party.

Polling stations opened on Sunday in the presidential election run-off in North Macedonia, amid fears that if the turnout is as low as it was in the first round, two weeks ago, the election process is in danger.

A total of 3,480 polling stations opened at 7am for an election in which some 1.8 million people have the right to vote.

Close Shave

The first round of Macedonia's presidential elections delivered a surprisingly close outcome - the ruling SDSM candidate, Stevo Pendarovski, emerged less than 1% ahead of his main challenger, Gordana Siljanovska. This was despite polls which had shown him to be up to 5% ahead.

Ruling alliance candidate Stevo Pendarovski [right] with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev [left]. Photo: EPA/EFE GEORGI LICOVSKI

At a press conference, Zaev said that based on 98.28 percent of votes, SDSM-DUI candidate Stevo Pendarovski had won 321,201 votes, while opposition VMRO DPMNE's candidate Gordana Siljanovska received 316,872 votes.

People casting ballots in North Macedonia. Photo: EPA/EFE GEORGI LICOVSKI

Gordana Siljanovska has the nomination of the right-wing opposition VMRO DPMNE party for her presidential candidacy, but insists she is an independent thinker who cherishes the rule of law.