Macedonia is facing a political crisis following an unexpectedly low turnout by voters in a historic referendum to rename the Balkan state.
Citizens were asked whether they endorsed a landmark deal struck with Greece, rechristening the state North Macedonia as a stepping stone to European Union and NATO membership.
The referendum on changing Macedonia’s name was part of a deal that would pave the way for NATO membership, but low voter turnout highlighted the hurdles that still remain for the Balkan country to join the alliance.
Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had hoped for a strong show of support in the referendum on whether to accept a June deal with Greece changing the country’s name to North Macedonia, which would help him with the next step of winning parliamentary support for the required constitutional amendments.
Results from more than 97 percent of polling stations showed 91.3 percent of voters approving the deal.
But turnout stood at just 36.8 percent, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for.
The referendum has drawn much interest from both the West and the Kremlin.
On a visit to Skopje, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis accused Russia of attempting to manipulate the outcome. He is convinced that Moscow provided funds to support a "broad campaign to influence" the people of Macedonia ahead of the crucial vote.
Political analysis by Plamen Asenov.
