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Ivanov leads in first round of Macedonia presidential elections

Mon, Mar 23 2009 10:59 CET

byClive Leviev-Sawyer

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Ivanov leads in first round of Macedonia presidential elections

Provisional results of Macedonia's presidential elections on March 22 2009 put professor Georgi Ivanov, the candidate for prime minister Nikola Gruevski's party, in the lead with about 38 per cent of the vote, followed by socialist candidate Ljubomir Frckovski with just less than 20 per cent.

Voter turnout was estimated a few hours after polls closed as having been about 59 per cent.

Should the results of the March 22 presidential elections be confirmed, Ivanov and Frckovski will face off in a run-off round of voting on April 5.

According to Macedonian and international media reports, voting proceeded peacefully, allaying fears of a repeat of violence that marred the June 2008 parliamentary elections.

"The elections were conducted in a good atmosphere, without incidents and with no major irregularities," electoral commission chief Aleksandar Novkovski said after voting stations closed.

The new head of state will replace Branko Crvenkovski in a role that is largely ceremonial.

A key theme for the new president will be the dispute between Skopje and Athens about the use of the name Macedonia. Gruevski and Crvenkovski were at odds on the country's approach to the issue.

There was heavy security during voting. Some media reports said that bad weather had hampered voting in some places in Macedonia.

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