Skopje, 11 January 2026 (MIA) - A total of 23.298 citizens, or 18.18 percent of eligible voters, cast their ballot by 3 p.m. at Sunday’s repeat mayoral elections held in four municipalities in the country, the State Election Commission (SEC) said.  

The highest turnout was recorded in the Municipality of Vrapchishte, where by 3 p.m. 5.730 voters had cast their ballots, representing 21.01 percent of eligible voters. In Gostivar, 14.770 voters exercised their right to vote, which is 17.85 percent. In Centar Zhupa, 831 voters cast their ballots, or 10.99 percent, while in Mavrovo Rostushe, 1.967 voters cast their ballots, representing 18.60 percent.

Mayoral elections are being repeated in the four municipalities because the 33.33% turnout threshold was not met during October’s local elections.

Compared to the local elections on October 19, 2025, turnout by 3 p.m. at the repeat elections is higher only in the Municipality of Vrapchishte, where it is up by 6.47 percent. In Gostivar turnout is lower than in October by 3.01 percent, in Centar Zhupa by 6.13 percent, and in Mavrovo Rostushe by 1.54 percent.

According to the Electoral Code, a turnout of one-third of voters is not required for repeat elections, but in order to elect a mayor, more than half of the voters must vote for one of the candidates.

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