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Brvenica local elections head to runoff between VMRO-DPMNE and NAI
The first round of extraordinary local elections for mayor in Brvenica, North Macedonia, has concluded, resulting in a runoff between Stojanche Radichevski of the VMRO-DPMNE coalition and Arkin Jahij of the National Alliance for Integration (NAI).
According to the State Election Commission, Radichevski secured the highest number of votes with 2,943 (approximately 38.9%), followed by Jahij with 2,152 (approximately 28.4%). Other candidates included Yakup Husseini of the VLEN coalition with 1,528 votes and Jovica Radeski of the SDSM coalition with 706 votes. Voter turnout was reported at approximately 46.56%.
Political leaders have offered differing interpretations of the results. VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski declared a decisive victory, claiming the results show strong support for his party's policies and a decline for the SDSM. Conversely, SDSM candidate Jovica Radeski argued that the party saw a 46% increase in support compared to the 2025 elections, suggesting a growing trend for the opposition despite his fourth-place finish.
The second round of voting is scheduled for November 1.
Entities
Arkin Jahij · Arkin Jahiji · Brvenica · Bërvenicë · Hristijan Mickoski · National Alliance for Integration · SDSM · SDSМ · State Election Commission · Stojan Radichevski · Stojanche Radichevski · Stojancho Radicheski
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The candidate for SDSM, Jovica Radeski, received 702 votes, representing approximately 10% of the vote. vecer.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A second round of voting is expected between the VMRO-DPMNE and DUI candidates.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hristijan Mickoski declared a decisive victory for VMRO-DPMNE in the first round of the Brvenica mayoral elections. skopje1.mk
- [● 4 SOURCES] Stojanche Radichevski of the VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition received approximately 2,943 to 3,000 votes. skopje1.mk · vecer.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There were 16,256 eligible voters in the Brvenica mayoral election.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jakup Useini of the VREDI coalition received over 2,100 votes.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Voter turnout was 46.56% of the 16,256 registered voters.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The by-election was held following the death of former mayor Jovica Ilievski on June 23, 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Arkin Jahiji of the National Alliance for Integration (NAI) placed second with 2,152 votes (28.45%).
- [○ 1 SOURCE] VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski characterized the results as a significant victory for his party.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jakup Husaini of the VLEN coalition received 1,528 votes (20.20%).
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Stojanco Radicheski of the 'Tvoja Makedonija' coalition led the vote with 2,943 votes (38.90%).