North Macedonia's opposition surges with strong presidential vote lead

North Macedonia's biggest opposition party VMRO-DPMNE's presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova looks on, as supporters gather in front of the party's headquarters during the presidential election in Skopje, North Macedonia April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

SKOPJE (Reuters) -A strong showing by North Macedonia's right-wing opposition in the first round of presidential elections bodes well for them in next month's parliamentary poll after voters showed the depth of their discontent for the ruling Social Democrats, analysts said.

Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the VMRO-DPMNE won 40.08% of votes in Wednesday's vote, far ahead of incumbent Stevo Pendarovski, who has the support of the ruling Social Democratic party and secured 19.93%, the State Election Commission said after nearly all ballots were counted.