SDSM has launched an open call for self-nomination of candidates for the upcoming presidential election. The call lists four criteria required of the candidates: to be a person with a high social reputation, to be capable of performing high state functions, to enjoy the trust of the membership and supporters of SDSM, as well as to be a person who will implement SDSM’s policy in the best way possible and will work on the realization of the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia – full membership in NATO and the EU, as well as international affirmation and promotion of the Republic of Macedonia.

The decision to issue the call was made at the latest session of the SDSM Central Board when they announced that a session of the Executive Board will be held by the end of the week to make a final decision whether early parliamentary elections will be held together with the presidential, as VMRO-DPMNE requires.

SDSM said that the name of the presidential candidate will be revealed on March 3, and unofficially the names of ministers Oliver Spasovski, Radmila Sekerinska, Nikola Dimitrov and the national NATO co-ordinator Stevo Pendarovski are mentioned in public.