Kichevo, 6 October 2025 (MIA) - Speaking at a campaign rally in Kichevo ahead of the Oct. 19 local elections, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski sent a message of togetherness for a better life for all. "United we are invincible," he said. "One person can make changes, but a united people can write history," he added, urging Kichevo residents to unite regardless of their religion, ethnicity or party affiliation.

"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," Mickoski said. "One branch is fragile, but a bundle of trees and branches is unbreakable. We must unite and bridge all our differences, disagreements and different views. These elections are that decisive moment on which future generations depend. This is a unique opportunity to show unity and understanding of what Kichevo needs."

He urged voters to vote for VMRO-DPMNE's candidate for Kichevo mayor Aleksandar Jovanoski.

"Let us all come out in droves on Oct. 19 to circle number 9 so Aleksandar can be the future city father of Kichevo and all Kichevo residents," VMRO-DPMNE's leader said.

Mickoski also said his government was working for a better life for all citizens, regardless of their political, religious or ethnic background.

"This is the Macedonia we want to create. A Macedonia of unity, harmony and coexistence," he said, adding that "when many are trying to divide us along ethnic, religious or party lines, we have to show them there is something stronger than all divisions." 

"Macedonia is not defended through divisions but by unity, heart, honesty and a common vision," he said.

The party's general secretary Gjorgjija Sajkoski also urged voters to support VMRO-DPMNE's mayoral candidate.

"Knowing this doctor, today I have the easiest task because he is a humanist and will make Kichevo a good place to live. I promise you that together with all of us, Kichevo will get a lot of infrastructure as well as jobs. Kicevo will get the shine it deserves. I am sure of it because doctor Aleksandar Jovanovski is known for his deeds," Sajkoski said.

Jovanovski criticized the current mayor of Kichevo, Fatmir Dehari, and presented his own election platform.

"Unfortunately, over the past 12 years we have had a mayor who not only failed to be the city's father, but on the contrary, he shrouded the city of Kichevo in darkness. Caring only for his own interests and the interests of a small group around him, he has brought the city to a state of collapse," Jovanovski said.

He said his platform included plans to remove the city's illegal landfill, build a recycling plant, build a sewage system in the villages of Zajas and Drugovo, a water supply system in Srbjani, Manastirsko Dolenci and Novo Selo and reconstruct local roads, as well. mr/