Skopje, 18 October 2021 (MIA) – The results of the first election round show that it’s time to modernize Skopje and live in a city we’re all proud of. The most important things at these elections were to unite and make changes for a more beautiful Skopje, independent candidate running for mayor of the capital Danela Arsovska told a press conference on Monday, calling on Skopje residents to support her in the runoff. “According to SEC data, I have a lead of 5,334 votes, which means I’m entering the second round with significant advantage. I’m convinced that Skopje is in for nice changes, transforming the city into the modern metropolis its residents deserve,” Arsovska said. She thanked citizens, as well as VMRO-DPMNE, Alliance for Albanians, Alternativa and other parties, movements and NGOs for their support, stressing expectations for further endorsement in the runoff. “Today the people of Skopje ensured a great victory for a lead in the first round. A great victory which shows that it’s time for a change. Thank you to all those who offered support and voted for me and my program. But, most of all I’m thankful for all of you – the people of Skopje. Skopje residents showed that they’re sick of empty promises and politicians who promise a lot and accomplish nothing,” Arsovska added. She underlined that making changes for a more beautiful Skopje was key at these elections and said that she’s pleasantly surprised by the several civil initiatives that joined the Council of the City of Skopje and the councils of several municipalities in the capital. According to her, the presentations and programs of all these candidates were refreshing and introduced new energy at these local elections. “Their programs and priorities will be a part of my activities in the next four years, as the person at the helm of Skopje. Together we’ll make Skopje a modern metropolis and a better place for all of us to live in,” Arsovska said. She called on everyone dissatisfied with the current city leadership to band together to defeat it. According to Arsovska, Skopje proved that it can’t be a subject of politics, but a city that will develop in line with its residents’ wishes. “We saw what the current mayor can do. He spent four years without implementing anything he promised in 2017. Instead of projects, we witnessed empty promises, videos and unrealistic 3D animations. I found these past three weeks to be an interesting race, proving that the people of Skopje are no longer falling for smear campaign. Together we showed that we have the power to fight lies, manipulations and that it’s time to exhibit real values. Now is the time for positive changes in Skopje,” the independent candidate told the briefing. Skopje, she said, shouldn’t see another day of filth, traffic and urban chaos. It, Arsovska added, will be a beautiful city filled with happy people. “Skopje and its residents showed that they want changes, so we carry on together in the next round from which we’ll also emerge victorious. Together we’ll secure a better future for a modern Skopje,” Arsovska noted.