Skopje, 19 October 2025 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche told a press conference Sunday that SDSM has clinched victory in the first round of the local elections in three municipalities, while it is leading in nine others. He urged greater turnout in the second round of the elections.

“Based on the results we currently have, SDSM has won in the first round in three municipalities – Kriva Palanka, Krivogashtani, and Bogdanci. With nearly 70 percent of votes counted we are leading in nine other municipalities – Centar, Probishtip, Chucher Sandevo, Cheshinovo, Valandovo, Konche, Krushevo, Lozovo, and Rankovce, and a second round will be held in these municipalities. A second round will be held in several other municipalities where we are second – Negotino, Vinica, Demir Kapija, Zrnovci…,” Filipche said.

The SDSM leader urged the citizens to turn out in greater numbers in the second round, since, he said, it is important for elected mayors to have legitimacy from as many citizens as possible.

“This is not the result we wanted, but considering the circumstances, in some municipalities we have more votes compared to last year, and that is proof of the consolidation that began the past months within the party,” Filipche said.

Regarding the race in Skopje, Filipche said the party is still waiting for the results which are coming in slower than others.

Quizzed over the fact that the current results show Levica’s Amar Mecinovikj in second, ahead of SDSM’s Kaja Shukova, and whether he thinks that would be a great blow for SDSM, Filipche said he would comment once he gets the exact figures for Skopje.

Asked if he would step down considering the result, especially in Skopje, Filipche said he would continue to work on further consolidation within the party.

"I believe our message is reaching and resonating with a vast number of people, and this really is a beginning," Filipche concluded.

Photo: MIA