We expect to win an overwhelming victory in local elections. Opposition party SDSM is aware of that saying even now that the number of mayors who will win isn't going to be a criterion, but the number of councilors and the participation in municipal councils," Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters on Sunday.

This means that SDSM will lose the elections and it is preparing the terrain as of now, according to him.

In fact, SDSM will compete against itself in the elections, according to him. "It's unrealistic to defeat VMRO-DPMNE. I am well aware that the citizens will respect the efforts made by VMRO-DPMNE in fulfilling what has been promised," said the PM.

He said he was convinced that the citizens would support VMRO-DPMNE for its "commitment and responsibility to do its best in fulfilling our promises amid the global economic crisis and Europe's debt crisis." "I also expect support because the government's projects in sports, health, agriculture, infrastructure are obvious."

Gruevski announced that VMRO-DPMNE this coming week would issue a call in which party members as well as supporters could express their interest to be candidates for the mayoral office.

At the same time, the ruling party will collect proposals amongst the citizens for programmes which might be realized by the candidates for mayors.

"This is our attempt to provide space, access to us for possible and capable candidates... By issuing a public call, VMRO-DPMNE will enable citizens to submit their priorities, ideas and proposals for the programs of each candidate for mayor by VMRO-DPMNE," he concluded.