Conservative candidates had already won 33 out of 44 contests decided in the first round two weeks ago.
VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski announced at party headquarters a “great, great” victory before hundreds of celebrating supporters.
“If anyone had any doubts, the people have shown that (North) Macedonia is yours again. Thank you my people. This is a victory of hope for a better future,” Mickoski said.
“These elections are a clear roadmap for the party and what changes need to be undertaken,” the Social Democrats' leader Venko Filipche said . He told reporters at party headquarters he has no intention to resign after the poor results.
Candidates’ promises about the economy, jobs and education in Skopje took a backseat to problems linked to garbage collection. Until Sunday, trash had been accumulating for weeks due to operational and financial problems faced by the garbage collection company.
The garbage has attracted rats, flies and stray cats and dogs. A child was recently bitten by a rat and was treated at a clinic.
But on Sunday, the roads in Skopje suddenly appeared bright and clean, surprising residents.
Just over 1 million people were eligible to vote in the runoffs. Turnout was 41.47%, lower than the 46.48% registered in the first round.