FYROM Citizens Vote In Municipal Elections

Macedonians (FYROM) are heading to the polls on October 15 for municipal elections that are seen as a test for the new left-wing government of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, five months after it came to power following an extended period of political instability.

More than 1.7 million people in the Balkan nation are eligible to vote in the first round for mayoral candidates and members of local councils in some 80 municipalities, including the capital, Skopje.

Runoff elections are scheduled for October 29.

Candidates from 19 parties and coalitions along with independent candidates are competing in the elections, with results expected early on October 16.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has said it will send more than 300 observers to Macedonia for the vote.

Opinion polls give a slight advantage to Zaev's governing coalition...