Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he expects that the elections will be successful and a new President will be elected. Zaev spoke after he voted, and the statement is being distributed after the electoral silence ended.

Today I expect that our citizens will elect a President of the Republic of North Macedonia. We all need to be serious and responsible to achieve two things – to elect a new President and that it is a President who will guide us forward. Let’s demonstrate democratic spirit in our choice and if the elections are successful, maintain the unity in our country and move forward toward the modern world where our country, the Republic of North Macedonia, belongs, Zaev said.

The first round of elections, held today, saw a relatively low turnout, a little below 40 percent with half an hour to go. In the second round, which will be held on May 5th, a turnout requirement of at least 40 percent kicks in, and the turnout will need to remain at least as good, and even improve slightly if Macedonia is to elect a President.