Ivanov takes lead in Macedonian presidential election

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-24-2009 10:12

In Macedonia, a professor of politics, Gjorge Ivanov, has emerged as the favorite to become the next president of the country. After the first round of elections, the 49-year-old now has a clear lead over his six rivals.

Gjorge Ivanov, candidate for  president of Macedonian ruling  coalition run by VMRO DPMNE, greet  the supporters during the first rally  of his campaign for presidential and  local elections, in southwestern  Macedonia's town of Ohrid, on Monday,  March 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Initial results show Ivanov, of the conservative ruling party, is in the lead with more than 38 percent of the votes. Although he is falling short of an outright victory, Ivanov is well positioned to win the second round of presidential elections on April 5th.

He has pledged to cooperate closely with the government and bring Macedonia closer to the European Union and NATO. Ivanov's nearest rival, Ljubomir Frckovski, of the main opposition party, is about 20 points behind, while independent, Ljube Boskoski, has 17 percent of the vote.