Alliance of Albanians deputy leader Arben Taravari declared victory in the mayoral race in Gostivar by 5,000 votes against his DUI opponent, and said that work to form a new ruling majority in Parliament begins tomorrow. The statement comes as Zoran Zaev announced he is resigning as Prime Minister and SDSM leader after his major defeat in the elections.

I hope that we will start working on the new ruling majority as soon as tomorrow. SDSM and DUI do not have the necessary credibility, Taravari said.

As SDSM lost in almost all major cities and urban centers with an ethnic Macedonian majority, DUI lost in the two main majority Albanian cities – Tetovo and Gostivar.

Zaev, DUI and their numerous smaller coalition partners have a total of 62 votes in Parliament, while VMRO-DPMNE, the united Albanian opposition parties and Levica have 58, meaning that defections from Zaev’s coalition could easily bring down the Government.