VREDI signals possible support for an Albanian League–aligned candidate in Brvenica

Three names — Arkin Jahiji, Naser Zenuni and Hakim Ramadani — have surfaced as possible candidates for mayor of Brvenica after the sudden death of Mayor Jovica Ilievski and the subsequent announcement by Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi of a by-election. If all three run, the race is likely to pit competing Albanian political groupings against one another on 18 October.

So far only DUI has officially nominated Arkin Jahiji; VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM are still deciding whom to field in the municipality. Zenuni (a member of the Albanian League led by Ziadin Sela) and Ramadani (who narrowly lost to Ilievski in the 2025 local vote) have both signalled possible runs on their Facebook pages.

Representatives close to VREDI say they have already contacted Naser Zenuni, describing him as a figure who could unify Brvenica and noting that he lacks political baggage — signals that VREDI is likely to back his independent nomination. For Zenuni’s part he posted: "The courage to start what Brvenica has been waiting for for a long time," a message widely read as a campaign announcement.

What a VREDI endorsement would mean

If VREDI indeed supports Zenuni, Hakim Ramadani — who ran as VREDI’s candidate in 2025 — would likely lose the party’s backing should he decide to run again. Ramadani himself appealed for unity in a Facebook post: "Today we face a new process. In the circumstances we have, we do not need accusations, labels and divisions. We need unity. Let's leave the past behind. Let's unite the municipality. Let's talk about jobs, services and prosperity. The municipality needs unity, not division. Everyone has the right to vote for the electoral programme and for their preferred candidate," Ramadani wrote.

The State Election Commission has set the by-election for mayor of Brvenica on 18 October. According to the electoral schedule, public inspection of the voter register opened on 22 August and runs until 10 September; signature collection for mayoral candidates started on 17 August and continues until 31 August. The campaign period begins on 21 September and lasts until 16 October, while submission of candidate lists to the Municipal Election Commission in Brvenica is due by 12 September. ([slobodenpecat.mk](https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/dik-go-usvoi-kalendarot-za-lokalnite-izbori-podnesuvanje-listi-na-kandidati-do-13-septemvri-kampanjata-kje-pochne-na-29-septemvri/?utm_source=openai))

DUI issued a statement announcing its candidate Arkin Jahiji and emphasising goals for a more developed and dignified Brvenica, better administration, targeted investments and equal opportunities for all settlements and citizens. The coming weeks will show whether VREDI and the Albanian League can reach an arrangement to avoid fragmenting the Albanian vote in the municipality.

Photo: Fejsbuk