Ohrid, 25 April 2024 (MIA) – The response to the possibility of SDSM and DUI boycotting the second round of elections, is citizen mobilization and a massive voter turnout. If these parties choose to boycott, it would demonstrate their lack of maturity and reveal their focus on the interests of the minorities they represent rather than nation-building, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski said Thursday during his visit to Ohrid.

"You should be dignified, even in defeat. Yesterday, VMRO-DPMNE convincingly defeated the entire government coalition with the results of the first round of elections. I am referring to the both candidates of the ruling parties - Stevo Pendarovski and the Bujar Osmani. When you add their votes together, they amount to around 300,000. VMRO-DPMNE alone, namely Professor Siljanovska, has 363,000 votes, according to the latest figures from the SEC. This means that VMRO-DPMNE, as I said, along with the people, defeated the government. It is obvious that there is a significant anti-government sentiment. In this way, they show that they are not statesmanlike parties, that they are driven by personal interests. And I believe that the citizens will recognize this on May 8 during the second round of presidential elections and the parliamentary elections, and we will secure parliamentary majority through the VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition 'Your Macedonia’,” he noted.

Mickoski took the opportunity to remind the Macedonian public that VMRO-DPMNE had the opportunity to behave immaturely and irresponsibly, resorting to blackmail, twice in the past - in 2019 and in 2004. However, despite these circumstances, the party participated in those elections, fought vigorously, and maintained its dignity even in defeat.

At the same time, he urged citizens, like never before, to turn out massively for the upcoming parliamentary elections and the second round of presidential elections, to prevent, as he put it, 'the type of politicians who are part of the leadership of SDSM and Ali Ahmeti, from blackmailing Macedonia, and the country to sink into the political swamp they want to impose.

“No one is stronger than the citizens. Now all the tools are in their hands, the citizens are the ones who decide the future of their families and the future of Macedonia. From what I've seen in the past 21 days, I am convinced that they are united around 'Platform 1198' and the need for change. So, despite these threats, I expect the citizens to turn out massively, for Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to become the new president, and for the coalition 'Your Macedonia' and VMRO-DPMNE to form the next government with their own majority of 61 MPs in Parliament,” Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA