Skopje, 17 October 2021 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE declared victory in about 20 municipalities and advancement in the runoff in others. Leader Hristijan Mickoski told a press conference in the party HQ they expect more than 50,000 more votes than SDSM at lists for council members across the country. “We expect to have the council majority in more than 50 municipalities, including in the City of Skopje. We have more than 20 mayors who won in the first round, we await a confirmation of our wins in Kisela Voda and Aerodrom, and we expect a win in the runoff in 20 municipalities,” said Mickoski. Data from the VMRO-DPMNE analytical centre shows that the party has won in Sopishte, Butel, Gazi Baba, Vinica, Zrnovce, Petrovec, Ilinden, Shtip, Karbinci, Sveti Nikole, Veles, Gradsko, Bosilovo, Negotino, Kavadarci, Prilep, Mogila, Novaci and Jegunovce. “This is a big win for the people of Macedonia, a win for the silent majority. The people have won despite all irregularities, pressures, bribes,” said Mickoski and added today’s win is the first step to the final victory. He said the party leadership would discuss the option of early parliamentary elections and noted that a new parliamentary majority is a possibility.