North Macedonia will head to the polls tomorrow, October 19, 2025, for the eighth local elections since independence. Voters will choose new mayors and municipal council members in all 80 municipalities and in the City of Skopje.
According to the State Election Commission (SEC), a total of 1,832,415 citizens are eligible to vote, of whom 1,717,803 reside in the country. Voting will take place in 3,474 active polling stations nationwide.
Uncertain Race in Albanian-Majority Municipalities
While outcomes in most Macedonian-majority municipalities are expected to follow predictable patterns, competition remains open and uncertain in areas with a majority Albanian population, according to analyses and polls.
A total of 309 candidates are running for mayor across the country, alongside 576 councilor lists, involving approximately 10,490 candidates overall. The race includes 22 political parties, 19 coalitions, and 119 civic initiatives or independent candidates.
The City of Skopje has drawn the highest number of contenders for mayor — 16 candidates in total.
Key Voting Figures
- Skopje leads with 474,304 registered voters.
- Other large municipalities include Kumanovo (94,041), Tetovo (87,878), Gostivar (82,893), and Bitola (77,253).
- The smallest municipalities by electorate are Lozovo (1,905), Vevčani (2,092), and Novaci (2,429).
The largest polling station is located in Butel, Skopje, with 1,432 registered voters.
Additionally, 2,162 prisoners or detainees and 450 elderly voters residing in care homes will also cast their ballots. Voting will not be organized for the diaspora, but citizens abroad can vote if they return to the country on election day.
These 2025 local elections are the fourth to simultaneously elect both mayors and municipal councils in all administrative units. Polling stations will open tomorrow morning across the country.
