ELECTORAL LISTS IN THE POLLOG REGION: WOMEN AND YOUTH IN THE RACE FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCILORS

Local elections scheduled for October 19 in the Polog region have drawn particular attention to municipal council candidate lists, with a focus on gender and youth representation. Data from the State Election Commission reveal a varied picture across municipalities. While women’s representation is relatively high in some areas, youth presence on the lists remains a critical factor for the future political dynamics of these communities.

In Tetovo, women make up 45.25% of council candidates, marking significant progress toward gender equality in local politics. Out of 316 candidates, 68 are young people, representing 21.5%, reflecting a dynamic mix and potential for new energy in the Municipal Council.

In Gostivar, women account for 43.62% of candidates, demonstrating a consolidated presence. Among 188 candidates, 44 are young (23.4%), indicating growing youth participation in local politics.

Tearce shows 40.22% female representation, meeting the legal gender quota. Of 92 candidates, 25 are young (27%), highlighting the active involvement of the younger generation in shaping local governance.

Vrapciste records 39.13% women, slightly below the regional average. Only 9 of 46 candidates are young (19.6%), indicating limited space for youth inclusion and the need for broader engagement in the future.

In Jegunovce, 43.10% of candidates are women, with youth representation at 41.4% (24 of 58 candidates), making it one of the municipalities with the highest youth participation and potential for progressive change in decision-making structures.

Bogovina reports 40.68% female candidates, meeting the minimum legal requirement. However, only 6 out of 59 candidates are young (10.1%), among the lowest in the region.

Bërvenica features 41.13% women and 25.8% youth (32 of 124 candidates), showing a solid presence of young people in the political race.

Mavrovo and Rostusha register 43.48% women, a high level for a smaller electoral base, with youth at 28% (13 of 46 candidates), maintaining a relatively stable level of young representation.

Zhelina has 40.43% female candidates, while youth representation reaches 46.8% (22 of 47 candidates), among the highest in the region, signaling strong integration of the younger generation into local politics.

Overall, State Election Commission data for October’s local elections show a dynamic picture of gender and youth representation in Polog municipal council lists. The region demonstrates positive trends in consolidating gender equality and integrating young people, though significant differences remain across municipalities.

Regionally, women’s representation ranges from 39% to 45%, mostly meeting the legal 40% quota. Tetovo (45.25%), Gostivar (43.62%), Jegunovce (43.10%), and Mavrovo-Rostusha (43.48%) stand out for high female representation, while Vrapciste (39.13%) remains below the minimum threshold, showing that gender equality is not yet fully consolidated as a consistent practice.

Youth participation is more heterogeneous. Zhelina (46.8%) and Jegunovce (41.4%) report the highest youth presence, positioning these municipalities as examples of effective youth integration. In contrast, Bogovina (10.1%) and Vrapciste (19.6%) lag behind, indicating gaps in opportunities and mechanisms for youth inclusion. Other municipalities, such as Tetovo (21.5%), Gostivar (23.4%), and Bërvenica (25.8%), maintain solid youth presence, while Tearce (27%) and Mavrovo-Rostusha (28%) offer stable levels.

The analysis indicates that the Polog region has gradually embraced gender equality in political competition, while youth representation remains a challenge, dependent on parties and local structures providing real opportunities.

October’s elections will serve as a key test, not only for confirming gender equality in final representation but also for evaluating the influence of young people in municipal councils, laying the groundwork for a sustainable transformation of political culture in the region.

This analysis is funded by the European Union under the project Voices of Equality, Democracy for All, implemented by the Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation – BIRC Tetovo. The project is a subgrant under EU Support for the Civil Society Resource Center – Phase 2, funded by the European Union. The content is the sole responsibility of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Civil Society Resource Center.