Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared victory for his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the snap parliamentary elections, claiming majority. The elections, held just 18 months after the previous ones, allegations of electoral fraud from the opposition Serbia Against Violence (SPN) coalition.
Also Read: Chile Rejects Conservative Draft of New Constitution in 2nd Referendum Vote
The results suggest that the SNS is set to secure nearly 47% of the vote, with projections indicating a possible win of over half of the 250 seats in the National Assembly.
President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, addressing his party’s determination to secure majority.
However, the SPN, the main opposition alliance, consisting of various parties under the Serbia Against Violence banner, has concerns about electoral fraud and called for a recount.
The SPN alleges that electoral fraud occurred in favor of the ruling party. One of their claims is that more than 40,000 non-residents were brought to Belgrade, the legitimacy of the vote in the capital.
The coalition has demanded the annulment of the results in Belgrade and hinted at the possibility of organizing protests.
As the SPN contested the results, its leaders accused the SNS of using public resources for political purposes and criticized the lack of pluralism in the electoral process.
The opposition’s discontent stems from the aftermath of two mass shootings in May, which triggered large-scale protests against President Aleksandar Vucic and his party.
Also Read: Supreme Court’s Verdict on Abrogation of Article 370
The SPN, formed in response to these events, had gained control of Belgrade in the local elections but faced disappointment as results showed the SNS ahead in the capital.
President Aleksandar Vucic faces pressure from both the EU and the United States to normalize relations with Kosovo, an issue since Kosovo declared unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008.
While over 100 UN members recognize Kosovo, Serbia, backed by allies including Russia and China, refuses to do so.
The election results may have implications for Serbia’s path towards EU accession, with the EU monitoring the democratic process closely.
Serbia is struggling with economic challenges, including high inflation that reached 8% in November. Opposition figures, including former Belgrade mayor Dragan Djilas, have addressed the need for change to address issues such as crime, corruption, and economic instability.
Djilas stated that “changes in Serbia have begun” and said the people’s desire for a life “without crime and corruption.”
Belgrade witnessed intense competition between the SNS and the SPN. The opposition had hoped for a swing in their favor, but projections suggested a close race.
Also Read: Hong Kong Patriots Only Election Sees Record Low Turnout of 27.5%
The SPN accused the ruling party of orchestrating irregularities, including the transportation of voters from other regions.
The SNS, led by Aleksandar Vucic, dismissed these claims, and early projections lead for the ruling party in Belgrade. An aspect of the elections was the participation of ethnic Serbs living in Kosovo.
Approximately 95,000 ethnic Serbs reside in Kosovo, and they crossed the Kosovo-Serbia border to cast their votes in the Serbian elections.
The world closely observed the Serbian elections, and the Kremlin welcomed the results, expressing hope for the further strengthening of friendship between Russia and Serbia.
The estimated national turnout of 59.1% is a level of civic engagement. However, the controversies surrounding the electoral process, including allegations of fraud and irregularities, questions about the democratic legitimacy of the results.
The EU and the US have addressed the importance of free and fair elections, urging a transparent investigation into the reported irregularities.
Also Read: Russia’s Presidential Election to be Held on March 17, 2024
