Macedonians Vote In Local Elections Amid Tensions

Voters in Macedonia have been casting ballots in local elections amid continuing tensions between ethnic Macedonians and minority ethnic Albanians.

Opposition parties took part in the March 24 elections for mayors and municipal councilors, after earlier threatening a boycott.

The European Union has emphasized to Macedonia that progress on moving toward eventual EU membership will depend on the holding of democratic and fair elections.

Macedonia has seen regular protests, including some that have turned violent, after tensions surged when opposition lawmakers were ejected from parliament during a debate on the 2013 budget.

About 1.7 million people are eligible to vote in the Balkan nation.