On October 19, 2025, citizens of North Macedonia will head to the polls for the eighth local elections since the country’s independence in 1991. According to the State Election Commission (SEC/KSHZ), a total of 309 candidates are running for 81 mayoral posts – 80 municipalities plus the capital city, Skopje.
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| At the North Macedonian Parliament, Skopje, May, 2025 |
Gender Representation: Slight Increase but Still Unequal
The candidate pool is overwhelmingly male. Out of the 309 candidates, 277 are men (89.6%), while only 32 are women (10.4%).
Although this represents a slight increase compared to the 2017 elections, when only 25 women (8.4%) ran out of 299 candidates, gender equality remains far from reality. Out of 81 municipalities, only 24 will feature women on the ballot. In two-thirds of municipalities, voters will not even have the option of voting for a female candidate.
The largest number of female candidates appears in Prilep (3), followed by Bitola (Manastir), Veles, Negotino, Center (Qendër), Karpoš, and Kisela Voda, each with two female contenders.
Among the notable names:
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Marija Majkiç, from the pro-Russian party United Macedonia, is the oldest female candidate, running in Gazi Baba.
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Andrej Dimitrijevski, from Levica (The Left), is the youngest candidate overall, competing in Staro Nagoričane.
Incumbents and Former Mayors Seek Reelection
Continuity is a strong theme in these elections. 57 incumbent mayors will run again, seeking another four-year mandate.
Some municipalities will also see former mayors attempting a comeback, such as in Ilinden and Jegunovce.
For the capital city, Skopje, Orce Gjorgjevski of VMRO-DPMNE is in the race. Currently the mayor of Kisela Voda, he hopes to move up to lead the nation’s largest municipality.
Ministers, MPs, and High-Ranking Officials Enter the Race
Several high-profile figures from the national government and parliament have joined the race for mayoral seats, making these elections even more politically charged.
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Kaja Shukova, former Minister of Environment (2023–2024), will run in Skopje under the SDSM ticket.
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Izet Mexhiti, current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, is running in Čair, representing the VLEN coalition. His main opponent will be Bujar Osmani, former Foreign Minister and candidate of DUI.
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Fatmir Limani, Minister of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth, is running in Kičevo.
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Shaban Saliu, Minister without portfolio from the Roma Democratic Forces, is running in Shuto Orizari.
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Miroslav Labudović, Deputy Minister of Energy (ZNAM), is running in Centar, Skopje.
Parliamentarians are also present on the ballots:
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Beti Stamenkovska (VMRO-DPMNE) in Kisela Voda.
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Skender Rexhepi (European Front) for Skopje City Mayor.
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Levica MPs Amar Mečinović and Jovana Mojsoska are running for Skopje and Struga, respectively.
Skopje: The Longest Ballot in the Country
Without a doubt, the most contested race will take place in Skopje. According to the SEC, 16 candidates will compete for the capital’s mayoral seat.
Out of them, three are independents, while the rest represent political parties or coalitions.
Other municipalities with competitive races include:
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Prilep and Struga, each with nine candidates.
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Bitola (Manastir) with eight candidates.
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Kumanovo, Kisela Voda, and Gazi Baba, each with seven candidates.
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Kočani, Tetovo, and Shuto Orizari, each with six candidates.
Election Timeline and Voting Rules
The official campaign period begins on September 29, 2025, following the lottery draw for ballot numbers at the SEC.
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First Round: October 19, 2025
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Second Round: November 2, 2025 (if needed)
A mayoral candidate will be considered elected in the first round if they receive 50% + 1 of the votes, with at least one-third of registered voters participating.
If no candidate reaches this threshold, the election moves to the second round, where the two top candidates will face each other.
Why These Elections Matter
The 2025 local elections are not just about municipal governance. They are a test of political strength between Macedonia’s main parties – VMRO-DPMNE, SDSM, DUI, VLEN, and Levica – and a stage for new independent voices.
With high-ranking ministers, MPs, and incumbents all in the race, these elections will directly influence the balance of power ahead of future parliamentary elections.
Furthermore, the low number of female candidates highlights a persistent issue: gender imbalance in Macedonian politics. Despite slight progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of local leadership.
Conclusion
The 2025 North Macedonia local elections promise to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with 309 candidates across 81 municipalities and a particularly crowded race in Skopje.
As citizens prepare to cast their votes on October 19, the spotlight will be on whether voters choose continuity or change, whether women make further gains in representation, and how the results will reshape the country’s political landscape in the years to come.