Skopje, 19 August 2025 (MIA) - First Deputy Prime Minister and Vlen candidate for Chair mayor, Izet Mexhiti, and President of the Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) and VMRO-DPMNE candidate for Skopje mayor, Orce Gjorgjievski, stated there is no reason for concern over the State Election Commission’s decision enabling independent candidates to run in local elections with collected just two signatures.

Mexhiti does not expect this to affect the electoral process, emphasizing that independent candidates should expect votes but, as he noted, will be eliminated in the first round.

“I think this will not harm the process. Surely, anyone appearing as an independent candidate must have support, not just two signatures. They may appear, but they will leave just as quickly. Therefore, I see no problem. I think people should be serious if they expect votes. They will be eliminated in the first round,” said Mexhiti, who, together with Gjorgjievski, visited Cvetan Dimov street in Chair.

Gjorgjievski underlined that in a democratic society, everyone should have the chance to participate in elections. He is confident that he will win in the first round of the local elections.

“In a democratic society, everyone should have the opportunity to participate. I personally see no reason for concern. I am confident of first-round victory in these local elections, as reflected in the daily support I receive from citizens. Democratic principles ensure that everyone has the right to be elected, just as they have the right to vote. I see nothing problematic in this,” Gjorgjievski said.

Regarding DUI’s accusations that they brought a “Serbian world” to the country instead of the European Union, Mexhiti pointed out that it is laughable for those who promoted the Open Balkans initiative to now make such claims.

“Those who visited Belgrade 11 times as Foreign Minister, like Osmani, and supported Open Balkans, are now making such claims, it is laughable. Today, however, we are focused on politics, tangible projects, and ideas important to citizens. These are real problems we aim to solve. DUI, lacking vision, a program, and internal reforms, wants to focus on United Nations topics in local elections,” Mexhiti said.

Regarding DUI’s rebranding as the National Alliance for Integration, Mexhiti told reporters to focus on today’s event, emphasizing that Cvetan Dimov street matters most to the people of Chair.

Asked if Vlen members are leaving, he repeated that he came for a major project for the municipality.

“We are here for a very significant project, perhaps the most important for Chair and its citizens,” Mexhiti stated.

Photo: MIA/Orce Gjorgjievski's Facebook