North Macedonians return to the ballot box Sunday for a presidential run-off that risks creating a political headache for the ruling Social Democrats, whose candidate is pitted against a nationalist-backed rival.

The centre-left ruling party's Stevo Pendarovski and the right-wing pick Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova finished in a dead heat in the first round of voting last month.

The tie traced the near-even split between the pro-Western and nationalist camps who have clashed over the government's recent move to change the Balkan country's name to North Macedonia which ended a long-running row with Greece.

But a record-low turnout, at barely over 40 per cent, also reflected a failure to galvanise most of the 1.8 million voters.

If voter participation sinks below 40 per cent in Sunday's second-round runoff, the entire poll will be annulled, threatening a new period of political uncertainty in one of Europe's poorest states.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev is confident "the elections will succeed". But if not, he said he would call a snap poll for parliament.

The presidential vote would also likely be re-run from the start, though Zaev has floated other options involving constitutional changes.

The presidency is a largely ceremonial role but the office can exercise veto powers that complicate governing.

The current president, opposition-backed Gjorge Ivanov, has been refusing to sign bills since the country changed its name to North Macedonia in protest against the deal.

Election fatigue

The small, landlocked state has weathered repeated bouts of political turmoil in recent years, with nearly 10 elections in the past decade doing little to boost the public's faith in politicians.

Turnout on Sunday will be a "challenge" in light of "election fatigue and low voter enthusiasm", said David Stephenson, a political consultant based in Skopje.

But he said the tight first round could spark more energy for the run-off.

"What's important is to elect a president in a free, fair, and democratic process," he added.

"Failure to do so risks another period of political instability, which would likely harm the country's European perspective and damage economic growth."

Zaev said he would also call an early general election in the event of a loss by 56-year-old Pendarovski, who is championing efforts to forge closer links with the West.

A victory by Siljanovska-Davkova, 63, would be a clear rebuke to a government that staked its reputation on passing the name accord with Greece earlier this year.

The addition of "North" to the country's name was a compromise to end a nearly 30-year identity row with Athens that had blocked Skopje's NATO and EU ambitions.

It remains a divisive topic and a key talking point for the presidential candidates, with Pendarovski for the deal and Siljanovska-Davkova against.

Albanian vote

Macedonia's ethnic Albanian minority, which makes up around a quarter of the population, could prove decisive on Sunday.

Their presidential candidate dropped out of the race after garnering 11 per cent in the first round.

The candidate, Blerim Reka, has not publicly backed either of the two frontrunners by name.

But he has urged Albanians to vote for the "pro-Western agenda", in what is seen as thinly-veiled support for Pendarovski.

The polls will open at 0500 GMT and close at 1700 GMT.

North Macedonians return to the ballot box Sunday for a presidential run-off that risks creating a political headache for the ruling Social Democrats, whose candidate is pitted against a nationalist-backed rival.

North Macedonians return to the ballot box Sunday for a presidential run-off that risks creating a political headache for the ruling Social Democrats, whose candidate is pitted against a nationalist-backed rival. The centre-left ruling party's Stevo Pendarovski and the right-wing pick Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova finished in a dead heat in the first round of voting last month. The tie traced the near-even split between the pro-Western and nationalist camps who have clashed over the government's recent move to change the Balkan country's name to North Macedonia which ended a long-running row with Greece. But a record-low turnout, at barely over 40 per cent, also reflected a failure to galvanise most of the 1.8 million voters. If voter participation sinks below 40 per cent in Sunday's second-round runoff, the entire poll will be annulled, threatening a new period of political uncertainty in one of Europe's poorest states. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev is confident "the elections will succeed". But if not, he said he would call a snap poll for parliament. The presidential vote would also likely be re-run from the start, though Zaev has floated other options involving constitutional changes. The presidency is a largely ceremonial role but the office can exercise veto powers that complicate governing. The current president, opposition-backed Gjorge Ivanov, has been refusing to sign bills since the country changed its name to North Macedonia in protest against the deal. Election fatigue The small, landlocked state has weathered repeated bouts of political turmoil in recent years, with nearly 10 elections in the past decade doing little to boost the public's faith in politicians. Turnout on Sunday will be a "challenge" in light of "election fatigue and low voter enthusiasm", said David Stephenson, a political consultant based in Skopje. But he said the tight first round could spark more energy for the run-off. "What's important is to elect a president in a free, fair, and democratic process," he added. "Failure to do so risks another period of political instability, which would likely harm the country's European perspective and damage economic growth." Zaev said he would also call an early general election in the event of a loss by 56-year-old Pendarovski, who is championing efforts to forge closer links with the West. A victory by Siljanovska-Davkova, 63, would be a clear rebuke to a government that staked its reputation on passing the name accord with Greece earlier this year. The addition of "North" to the country's name was a compromise to end a nearly 30-year identity row with Athens that had blocked Skopje's NATO and EU ambitions. It remains a divisive topic and a key talking point for the presidential candidates, with Pendarovski for the deal and Siljanovska-Davkova against. Albanian vote Macedonia's ethnic Albanian minority, which makes up around a quarter of the population, could prove decisive on Sunday. Their presidential candidate dropped out of the race after garnering 11 per cent in the first round. The candidate, Blerim Reka, has not publicly backed either of the two frontrunners by name. But he has urged Albanians to vote for the "pro-Western agenda", in what is seen as thinly-veiled support for Pendarovski. The polls will open at 0500 GMT and close at 1700 GMT.

Polarised North Macedonians vote for president

Greece's parliament on Friday ratified a landmark accord that changes the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/greeks-rally-against-macedonia-name-accord-police-fire-tear-gas-191657">name of neighbouring Macedonia</a>, ending a decades-old dispute and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who hammered<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-in-athens-as-tens-of-thousands-protest-macedonian-name-deal-191676"> out the deal with his Macedonian counterpart </a>last year, secured the parliamentary majority needed to get the accord approved with support from independent and opposition lawmakers.

"Today we are writing a new page for the Balkans. The hatred of nationalism and conflict is giving way to friendship, peace, and cooperation," Tsipras wrote on his social media account.

Macedonia has already ratified the deal, brokered last year, and its prime minister promptly sent a tweet hailing the Greek parliament's vote.

The settlement seeks to end a 28-year old row between Athens and Skopje over the use of the term "Macedonia" by renaming the tiny Balkan state "Republic of North Macedonia" to differentiate it from Greece's northern province of Macedonia.

Greece’s European Union allies welcomed the ratification.

"They had imagination, they took the risk, they were ready to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good," European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted. "Mission impossible accomplished."

Opinion polls indicate that most Greeks oppose the settlement, a fact which may not bode well for Tsipras in an election year. A general election is due by October, and his party is trailing the opposition New Democracy by up to 12 points.

The debate in the Greek parliament was heated, with voting almost interrupted on Friday when an MP for the right-wing Golden Dawn Party, asked to cast his vote, responded: "No to treason!"

Several MPs in favour of of the accord reported attempts to intimidate them.

Many Greeks fear the agreement could lead to territorial claims against Greece and say it constitutes an appropriation of their country's ancient cultural heritage. Macedonia was the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

Protests against the deal have at times turned violent this week, and on Thursday evening police fired teargas to disperse crowds outside parliament. Smaller groups of people braved heavy rain on Friday to demonstrate outside the parliament.

"This deal should never have been signed or brought to parliament for ratification," party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament. "It is a national defeat ... a national blunder that is an affont to the truth and history of our country."

Greece's parliament on Friday ratified a landmark accord that changes the name of neighbouring Macedonia, ending a decades-old dispute and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO.

Greece's parliament on Friday ratified a landmark accord that changes the name of neighbouring Macedonia, ending a decades-old dispute and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who hammered out the deal with his Macedonian counterpart last year, secured the parliamentary majority needed to get the accord approved with support from independent and opposition lawmakers. "Today we are writing a new page for the Balkans. The hatred of nationalism and conflict is giving way to friendship, peace, and cooperation," Tsipras wrote on his social media account. Macedonia has already ratified the deal, brokered last year, and its prime minister promptly sent a tweet hailing the Greek parliament's vote. The settlement seeks to end a 28-year old row between Athens and Skopje over the use of the term "Macedonia" by renaming the tiny Balkan state "Republic of North Macedonia" to differentiate it from Greece's northern province of Macedonia. Greece’s European Union allies welcomed the ratification. "They had imagination, they took the risk, they were ready to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good," European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted. "Mission impossible accomplished." Opinion polls indicate that most Greeks oppose the settlement, a fact which may not bode well for Tsipras in an election year. A general election is due by October, and his party is trailing the opposition New Democracy by up to 12 points. The debate in the Greek parliament was heated, with voting almost interrupted on Friday when an MP for the right-wing Golden Dawn Party, asked to cast his vote, responded: "No to treason!" Several MPs in favour of of the accord reported attempts to intimidate them. Many Greeks fear the agreement could lead to territorial claims against Greece and say it constitutes an appropriation of their country's ancient cultural heritage. Macedonia was the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Protests against the deal have at times turned violent this week, and on Thursday evening police fired teargas to disperse crowds outside parliament. Smaller groups of people braved heavy rain on Friday to demonstrate outside the parliament. "This deal should never have been signed or brought to parliament for ratification," party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament. "It is a national defeat ... a national blunder that is an affont to the truth and history of our country."

Greek Parliament ratifies Macedonia name change

Clashes between police and a group of masked protesters left several injured in Athens on Sunday as tens of thousands demonstrated against a name change deal with neighbouring Macedonia that the Greek parliament is due to ratify in days.

The violence flared as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras attempts to face down a political storm over his championing of a landmark agreement with Macedonia aimed at ending a 27-year dispute with Athens over the country's name.

Police estimates put the number of demonstrators at 60,000 at 1200 GMT, while organisers said 100,000 people had arrived for the rally, with hundreds of buses bringing demonstrators, especially from the region of northern Greece that also claims the Macedonia name. &nbsp;

Ten police were hurt in the protests, according to the Greek citizens' protection ministry, while a first aid station said two protesters were hospitalised with breathing difficulties.

Scuffles broke out after about 30 masked youths tried to force the closure of the parliament building, throwing stones and other projectiles. Riot police responded with volleys of tear gas, dispersing the crowd outside the legislature.

The masked youths then set upon journalists at the scene, smashing the equipment of photographers and cameramen, according to an AFP reporter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the government "the incidents were provoked by extremists, members of the Golden Dawn, who attempted to enter parliament".

"They attacked police with bits of wood and clubs, sending dozens of wounded to the hospital," said a statement from Tsipras.

A wide range of Greek political parties, from the far-right Golden Dawn to the Socialists, oppose the accord to rename Macedonia the Republic of North Macedonia.&nbsp;

But it could nonetheless be approved by the required 151 deputies in the 300-seat parliament in the coming days.

'Government of traitors'

Flag-waving demonstrators had created a sea of blue and white on Syntagma square near the parliament, while much of the city centre was closed to traffic and some metro stations shut as a precaution.

"There is only one Macedonia, the Greek Macedonia," read a sign in Greek and English held by Christina Gerodimoun, in her 30s, at the protests. &nbsp;

"This government is a government of traitors," she said in reference to a coalition led by Tsipras, who brokered the deal with Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev in June.

The crowd was monitored by nearly 2,000 police, equipped with drones and helicopters, a police source said.&nbsp;

Macedonia's parliament approved a constitutional revision to change the country's name 10 days ago. But for the deal between the two leaders to go through, the change must also be approved by Greek lawmakers.

Macedonia is a former Yugoslav republic, but for most Greeks, Macedonia is the name of their history-rich northern province made famous by Alexander the Great's conquests.

'Historic step'

Tsipras termed the agreement a "historic step" towards normalising relations between the two countries.

He urged "progressive forces" to support the name change, in an interview with Afghi, a daily published by his Syriza party.

Tsipras' ruling coalition fell apart over the deal a week ago, but he then narrowly won a vote of confidence, setting the stage for parliament to vote on its ratification.

Although political parties did not officially join the demonstration, some deputies turned up to express their individual positions, and Golden Dawn's website urged members to attend.

"I came out of patriotic duty," conservative representative Fotini Arabatzi from the northern district of Serres told Skai radio.

Former Greek premier Antonis Samaras said the protest was "a demonstration for democracy, for Greece and for our rights".

Clashes between police and a group of masked protesters left several injured in Athens on Sunday as tens of thousands demonstrated against a name change deal with neighbouring Macedonia that the Greek parliament is due to ratify in days.

Clashes between police and a group of masked protesters left several injured in Athens on Sunday as tens of thousands demonstrated against a name change deal with neighbouring Macedonia that the Greek parliament is due to ratify in days. The violence flared as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras attempts to face down a political storm over his championing of a landmark agreement with Macedonia aimed at ending a 27-year dispute with Athens over the country's name. Police estimates put the number of demonstrators at 60,000 at 1200 GMT, while organisers said 100,000 people had arrived for the rally, with hundreds of buses bringing demonstrators, especially from the region of northern Greece that also claims the Macedonia name. Ten police were hurt in the protests, according to the Greek citizens' protection ministry, while a first aid station said two protesters were hospitalised with breathing difficulties. Scuffles broke out after about 30 masked youths tried to force the closure of the parliament building, throwing stones and other projectiles. Riot police responded with volleys of tear gas, dispersing the crowd outside the legislature. The masked youths then set upon journalists at the scene, smashing the equipment of photographers and cameramen, according to an AFP reporter. According to the government "the incidents were provoked by extremists, members of the Golden Dawn, who attempted to enter parliament". "They attacked police with bits of wood and clubs, sending dozens of wounded to the hospital," said a statement from Tsipras. A wide range of Greek political parties, from the far-right Golden Dawn to the Socialists, oppose the accord to rename Macedonia the Republic of North Macedonia. But it could nonetheless be approved by the required 151 deputies in the 300-seat parliament in the coming days. 'Government of traitors' Flag-waving demonstrators had created a sea of blue and white on Syntagma square near the parliament, while much of the city centre was closed to traffic and some metro stations shut as a precaution. "There is only one Macedonia, the Greek Macedonia," read a sign in Greek and English held by Christina Gerodimoun, in her 30s, at the protests. "This government is a government of traitors," she said in reference to a coalition led by Tsipras, who brokered the deal with Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev in June. The crowd was monitored by nearly 2,000 police, equipped with drones and helicopters, a police source said. Macedonia's parliament approved a constitutional revision to change the country's name 10 days ago. But for the deal between the two leaders to go through, the change must also be approved by Greek lawmakers. Macedonia is a former Yugoslav republic, but for most Greeks, Macedonia is the name of their history-rich northern province made famous by Alexander the Great's conquests. 'Historic step' Tsipras termed the agreement a "historic step" towards normalising relations between the two countries. He urged "progressive forces" to support the name change, in an interview with Afghi, a daily published by his Syriza party. Tsipras' ruling coalition fell apart over the deal a week ago, but he then narrowly won a vote of confidence, setting the stage for parliament to vote on its ratification. Although political parties did not officially join the demonstration, some deputies turned up to express their individual positions, and Golden Dawn's website urged members to attend. "I came out of patriotic duty," conservative representative Fotini Arabatzi from the northern district of Serres told Skai radio. Former Greek premier Antonis Samaras said the protest was "a demonstration for democracy, for Greece and for our rights".

Clashes in Athens as tens of thousands protest Macedonian name deal

Protesters clash with police outside parliament during rally against Macedonia deal

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras Sunday called an "immediate" no-confidence vote in parliament over the resignation of a top minister opposed to the country's name change deal with Macedonia.

"We will proceed immediately to the renewal of the confidence in our government by the parliament in order to proceed with the major issues for our country," he said.

Tsipras earlier Sunday accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who is head of his main coalition ally in government, the nationalist Independent Greeks party (ANEL).

The semi-official ANA news agency said the debate on a no-confidence vote could begin as early as Tuesday and could be concluded by Thursday.

Kammenos said that he would vote against the government as supporting it would imply backing for the name deal with Macedonia.

The nationalist ANEL has supported the Tsipras administration with its seven lawmakers and has six ministers and junior ministers in the government.

Kammenos had threatened to pull out of the government when the name deal comes to a vote in Athens from the moment Tsipras signed it with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in the border Prespes region in June. However, some of his ANEL party's MPs remain ambivalent.

Macedonian lawmakers voted late on Friday to rename their country the Republic of North Macedonia but the agreement now needs backing from the Greek parliament to come into effect.

For the Greeks, Macedonia is the name of a history-rich northern province that was the cradle of Alexander the Great's ancient empire.

Greece has blocked its neighbour's accession to NATO and the European Union ever since Macedonia broke away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

"We will do everything to block the ratification of the Prespes deal," Kammenos told a news conference Sunday after announcing his resignation.&nbsp;

He charged that the agreement was "anti-constitutional" and called for a referendum on the issue to coincide with EU elections in May.

After meeting with Tsipras earlier Sunday, Kammenos said, "the Macedonia issue does not allow me not to sacrifice my post".

Tsipras believes the agreement can be ratified with the 145 lawmakers of his leftist Syriza party plus the votes of the small pro-EU To Potami party as well as some ANEL lawmakers who disagree with Kammenos's position.

The main opposition New Democracy party is vehemently against the agreement.&nbsp;

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras Sunday called an "immediate" no-confidence vote in parliament over the resignation of a top minister opposed to the country's name change deal with Macedonia.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras Sunday called an "immediate" no-confidence vote in parliament over the resignation of a top minister opposed to the country's name change deal with Macedonia. "We will proceed immediately to the renewal of the confidence in our government by the parliament in order to proceed with the major issues for our country," he said. Tsipras earlier Sunday accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who is head of his main coalition ally in government, the nationalist Independent Greeks party (ANEL). The semi-official ANA news agency said the debate on a no-confidence vote could begin as early as Tuesday and could be concluded by Thursday. Kammenos said that he would vote against the government as supporting it would imply backing for the name deal with Macedonia. The nationalist ANEL has supported the Tsipras administration with its seven lawmakers and has six ministers and junior ministers in the government. Kammenos had threatened to pull out of the government when the name deal comes to a vote in Athens from the moment Tsipras signed it with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in the border Prespes region in June. However, some of his ANEL party's MPs remain ambivalent. Macedonian lawmakers voted late on Friday to rename their country the Republic of North Macedonia but the agreement now needs backing from the Greek parliament to come into effect. For the Greeks, Macedonia is the name of a history-rich northern province that was the cradle of Alexander the Great's ancient empire. Greece has blocked its neighbour's accession to NATO and the European Union ever since Macedonia broke away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. "We will do everything to block the ratification of the Prespes deal," Kammenos told a news conference Sunday after announcing his resignation. He charged that the agreement was "anti-constitutional" and called for a referendum on the issue to coincide with EU elections in May. After meeting with Tsipras earlier Sunday, Kammenos said, "the Macedonia issue does not allow me not to sacrifice my post". Tsipras believes the agreement can be ratified with the 145 lawmakers of his leftist Syriza party plus the votes of the small pro-EU To Potami party as well as some ANEL lawmakers who disagree with Kammenos's position. The main opposition New Democracy party is vehemently against the agreement.

Greek PM calls confidence vote after minister quits over Macedonia deal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-germany-takes-responsibilty-for-nazi-crimes-in-greece-189590">Greece</a>'s defence minister, who is head of the main coalition partner of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, announced his resignation on Sunday ahead of an upcoming parliamentary vote to end a 27-year name dispute with Macedonia.

"The Macedonia issue does not allow me not to sacrifice my post," Panos Kammenos said after a meeting with Tsipras.

"I thanked the prime minister for the cooperation and I explained to him that for this national issue we cannot continue," he said, adding that his Independent Greeks party (ANEL) "is pulling out of the government".

The nationalist ANEL supports the Tsipras administration with its seven lawmakers and has six ministers and junior ministers in the government.

Kammenos had threatened to pull out of the government when the name deal comes to a vote in Athens from the moment Tsipras signed the agreement with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in June. However, some of his ANEL party's MPs remain ambivalent.

Macedonian lawmakers voted late on Friday to rename their country the Republic of North Macedonia but the agreement now needs backing from the Greek parliament to come into effect.

For the Greeks, Macedonia is the name of a history-rich northern province that was the cradle of Alexander the Great's ancient empire.

"Within ten days, in any case as soon as the (Macedonia parliamentary vote) result is notified to us and if we see that everything is in order, we will vote (to approve) the Prespes Agreement," Tsipras told Open TV earlier this week.&nbsp;

The Greek prime minister believes the agreement can be ratified with the 145 lawmakers of his leftist Syriza party but also the votes of the small pro-EU To Potami party as well as some ANEL lawmakers that disagree agree with the position of Kammenos.

The main opposition party of New Democracy is vehemently against the agreement.&nbsp;

Revising the constitution to The deal was signed in the border Prespes region, after months of talks with Skopje.

Tsipras added that a separate vote on a protocol to enable Macedonia to join NATO would be held "not long afterwards".

Greece has previously blocked its neighbour's accession to NATO and the European Union ever since Macedonia broke away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

'The Macedonia issue does not allow me not to sacrifice my post,' Panos Kammenos said after a meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Greece's defence minister, who is head of the main coalition partner of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, announced his resignation on Sunday ahead of an upcoming parliamentary vote to end a 27-year name dispute with Macedonia. "The Macedonia issue does not allow me not to sacrifice my post," Panos Kammenos said after a meeting with Tsipras. "I thanked the prime minister for the cooperation and I explained to him that for this national issue we cannot continue," he said, adding that his Independent Greeks party (ANEL) "is pulling out of the government". The nationalist ANEL supports the Tsipras administration with its seven lawmakers and has six ministers and junior ministers in the government. Kammenos had threatened to pull out of the government when the name deal comes to a vote in Athens from the moment Tsipras signed the agreement with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in June. However, some of his ANEL party's MPs remain ambivalent. Macedonian lawmakers voted late on Friday to rename their country the Republic of North Macedonia but the agreement now needs backing from the Greek parliament to come into effect. For the Greeks, Macedonia is the name of a history-rich northern province that was the cradle of Alexander the Great's ancient empire. "Within ten days, in any case as soon as the (Macedonia parliamentary vote) result is notified to us and if we see that everything is in order, we will vote (to approve) the Prespes Agreement," Tsipras told Open TV earlier this week. The Greek prime minister believes the agreement can be ratified with the 145 lawmakers of his leftist Syriza party but also the votes of the small pro-EU To Potami party as well as some ANEL lawmakers that disagree agree with the position of Kammenos. The main opposition party of New Democracy is vehemently against the agreement. Revising the constitution to The deal was signed in the border Prespes region, after months of talks with Skopje. Tsipras added that a separate vote on a protocol to enable Macedonia to join NATO would be held "not long afterwards". Greece has previously blocked its neighbour's accession to NATO and the European Union ever since Macedonia broke away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

Greek defence minister Panos Kammenos announces resignation ahead of Macedonia vote

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