Skopje, 28 October 2025 (MIA) - Levica’s candidate for Mayor of Skopje, Amar Mecinovikj, in a Kanal 5 TV debate with Orce Gjorgjievski of VMRO-DPMNE, commented on the low voter turnout in the first round of the 2025 local elections, highlighting that it stems from a lack of trust in political change.

“Voter turnout stems from the perception that no real political change occurs when power shifts. Low turnout is largely due to citizens believing they cannot affect outcomes with the vote they have – that they cannot change their destiny,” Mecinovikj stated.

He added that the people are not depoliticized, but indifferent, as they do not believe real change is possible. According to him, the second round of the elections opens a new political reality in Macedonia.

“Now we have different circumstances, a second round where the contest is between VMRO-DPMNE and Levica, and I believe that simply by experiencing the first days of this new political reality in Macedonia, many citizens will be encouraged and will turn out in the second round,” he said.

During his introduction, he said that he studied political science, confirming that he did not graduate, and that he has worked in various jobs, including as a freelancer. As a member of Levica, he became a municipal councilor and later a Member of Parliament.

Photo: screenshot