Skopje, 19 October 2021 (MIA) – All of us put in an effort, but it’s clear today that changes are not enough, that they have to happen much more quickly and that the fight is not over, SDSM leader Zoran Zaev wrote Tuesday in a letter to party members, following the results of the first round of the local elections. “Citizens sent us a clear message in the first found of these elections and we must hear it, understand it and act on it. The people don’t support VMRO-DPMNE. But, at the same time, they want better results and more changes implemented by SDSM. We can and must deliver this. Together,” read Zaev’s letter. According to him, citizens are calling on mobilization and a new cycle of change. “Citizens want the country and municipalities to progress and we must do our best to make that happen. If not - enter the regime. It already managed to come into some municipalities. We have a democratic obligation to fight, deliver changes, improve governance and stand in the way of threats and dangers brought on by VMRO-DPMNE. We’re entering the second round and a fight for every voice, every city, every municipality. Everyone is important. If we want to win this fight we must understand that every person counts, every voice matters. Every voice must be heard and respected. It’s the change that citizens are asking of us,” Zaev stressed. Therefore, he underlined, we must increase our availability, openness and resolve the issues individuals, as well as groups of citizens, face. We, Zaev added, have never been unreachable and unavailable – it doesn’t suit us. On the contrary, we must remain humble and grounded – it’s the only way to keep the course we’ve set for our country together. “That’s why I’m calling on you to unite! Now is the time to unite and face the brutes and criminals who were destroying our country for years. SDSM makes mistakes, but learns and improves. VMRO-DPMNE is a party ruled by despotism and usurpation for its own interests. And there lies the difference. Now is the time to fight, validate each voice and unite. We’re fighters, open people and an open party, so let’s listen, act and change. We’ve proven this on numerous occasions when we’ve accepted criticism from citizens and revised and improved our policies. They say that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. This time, we won’t be watching from afar while evil looms. We’ll take action! That’s why I’m asking for every municipal organization to take action,” Zaev wrote. It’s crucial, SDSM’s leader added, that every municipal election HQ is constantly in touch with the central election HQ and follow guidelines, but also be open to suggestions, positions and messages coming from members, supporters and citizens. “We need speedy analysis and return to the field. We need quick changes and actions that will contribute to the fight, to validating every citizen’s voice, to uniting and bringing a victory for SDSM in the runoff. It’s within our reach, but depends on us. We need to extend our hand to each person, everyone we might have missed in the first round. SDSM hears citizens and will do everting for progress. The fights continues!,” read Zaev’s letter.