N. Macedonia votes in first of several polls

(ANSA-AFP) - SKOPJE, APR 24 - Voters in North Macedonia headed to the polls Wednesday for the first in a series of elections that could decide whether the diverse Balkan country will ever join the European Union. Voters are casting ballots in the first round of a presidential election, followed in two weeks by a presidential run-off and a parliamentary poll. The elections come amid a two-year standoff between the government and the opposition over how to deal with neighbouring Bulgaria blocking its path to EU membership. Relations between Sofia and Skopje have been strained for years by bitter disputes over the two countries' similar languages and history. Sofia has refused to back the opening of accession talks between Skopje and the EU until North Macedonia recognises its tiny Bulgarian minority in the constitution. President Stevo Pendarovski and the ruling centre-left Social Democrats (SDSM) are prepared to make the amendments but lack the numbers to win a parliamentary vote. The opposition VMRO-DPMNE party refuses to budge, saying any constitutional changes can come after North Macedonia joins the EU, a stance the government says is unrealistic. Wednesday's first round of the presidential vote puts the two opposing views on the ballot, with Pendarovski in danger of being unseated by Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who is backed by the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE. Polls opened at 7:15 am local time (ANSA-AFP).