BFF-03 Social Democrats hold razor-thin lead in N. Macedonia poll: election commission

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ZCZC

BFF-03

NMACEDONIA-VOTE

Social Democrats hold razor-thin lead in N. Macedonia poll: election commission

SKOPJE, Republic of North Macedonia, July 16, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – North Macedonia’s Social Democrats held a razor-thin lead over nationalist rivals, official election results showed Thursday, though without a majority they will face tough coalition talks to build a government.

The Social Democrats took home 35.85 percent of the vote share, followed by 34.49 percent for their right-wing rivals VMRO-DPMNE, the election commission said with some 95 percent of the ballots counted.

The body did not specify the seat count in the 120-member assembly, but Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev said his party had a three-seat advantage in a victory speech.

BSS/AFP/MMA/0910HRS