In North Macedonia, the official 20-day campaign for the 2025 local elections has begun. The elections will be held on October 19, with political parties and coalitions launching their campaigns through rallies and public presentations.
The campaign, which opened at midnight, will last until October 17, when the 24-hour pre-election silence period begins. The first round of elections will take place on October 19, while the second round is scheduled for November 2.
According to the Electoral Code, the campaign includes public rallies, media and online appearances, distribution of promotional materials, billboards, as well as the presentation of candidates and their programs. In case of violations, complaints can be filed with the State Election Commission (SEC), which must decide within 72 hours. Appeals against SEC decisions can be lodged with the Administrative Court, which is also required to rule within 72 hours.
The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AAMS) is obligated to publish daily reports during the campaign and submit weekly reports to the SEC. Meanwhile, opinion poll results may only be published until October 13, at midnight.
On the 11th day of the campaign, candidates for mayors and councilors must submit financial reports on campaign expenditures.
Across the country, 3,480 polling stations will operate. In 132 polling stations with fewer than 10 voters, the process will be transferred to the nearest centers.
The overall budget for the 2025 local elections is set at €9.76 million, two-thirds of which will be spent on media and political advertising, while the rest will go toward compensating election commissions, transport, and logistics.
Local elections in North Macedonia are held every four years in the second half of October. The country consists of 80 municipalities and the City of Skopje, which has a special status with 10 municipalities. So far, local elections have been held in 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021.