Skopje, 28 October 2025 (MIA) – Vlen’s candidate for mayor of the Municipality of Chair, Izet Mexhiti, told a press conference Sunday that Vlen is the legitimate winner in the country's predominantly Albanian municipalities and he expects a first-round victory in Chair against his opponent from the DUI-led NAI coalition, Bujar Osmani. In his address, Mexhiti issued a direct call for DUI leader Ali Ahmeti to step down, asserting that “the Albanian vote has sent him into political retirement”.

“To DUI and Ahmeti, who were advocating for legitimacy, I congratulate them on their victory in Plasnica, while Vlen holds a convincing lead in the other municipalities. We are in Chair to celebrate Vlen’s first-round victory. They wanted to measure our strength in Chair and Tetovo, and there too Vlen will secure a decisive win. Results from other municipalities also show that Vlen is the legitimate winner,” Mexhiti said.

Mexhiti said he expects Vlen to clinch first-round victories in four to five municipalities, and to have a lead in most of the predominantly Albanian municipalities across the country.

“I want to point out that the turnout threshold in Vrapchishte wasn’t met, while in Gostivar it is close,” Mexhiti added.

He called for the resignation of DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.

“Today, with a heart full of pride and gratitude, I want to say loudly and clearly: tonight the Albanians have won, and tonight a political class has retired. Congratulations on the victory, congratulations on the retirement of the political opponents. Tonight I address my political opponent, Ali Ahmeti, with full respect and clarity, this is the time when you must resign. The Albanian vote has sent you into political retirement,” Mexhiti stated.

Photo: Screenshot