Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his grip on power in the country through a parliamentary and local election that has been marred by reports of major irregularities. The main contest is expected to be between Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and a centrist coalition aiming to undermine the populists who have governed the troubled Balkan state since 2012.
The Serbia Against Violence opposition coalition, comprised of various parties, is presenting the most significant challenge for the city council in Belgrade. An opposition victory in the capital could seriously dent Vucic's hardline rule in the country, according to analysts who closely follow the political landscape.
Dragan Djilas, leader of the opposition coalition, expressed confidence that changes are imminent and emphasized their commitment to defending the people's will through democratic means. With hopes of achieving a breakthrough, the opposition views this election as a crucial moment in shaping Serbia's future.
However, Vucic has confidently predicted a convincing victory, believing that his ruling party will come close to attaining an absolute majority in the parliamentary election. He argues that such a result is vital for Serbia's continued prosperity and success.
Despite hopes for a fair and transparent election, numerous irregularities have been reported by election monitors and independent media. These include reports of unauthorized individuals at polling stations, instances of voters being bribed, and observers facing attacks during their monitoring activities. The Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability, an independent group, expressed serious concern over organized voter transfers from neighboring countries to Belgrade. They noted the concentration of vehicles ferrying voters to polling stations, suggesting potential foul play.
Pro-Russia parties, Socialists allied with Vucic, and other right-wing groups are also running for parliamentary and local council seats. The election campaign has been marked by Vucic's heavy involvement despite not running as a candidate. The authorities, supported by pro-government media, have campaigned for the ruling party using Vucic's image, effectively turning the vote into a referendum on his leadership.
Serbia has faced allegations of eroding democratic freedoms and rules, even as it maintains warm relations with Russia. The country has been a candidate for EU membership since 2014. However, concerns over Vucic's consolidation of power, allegations of campaign abuse, and attempts to rig the vote have raised doubts about the country's commitment to democratic principles.
Critics argue that Vucic called this early election to solidify his hold on power, especially in the wake of mass protests triggered by two consecutive shootings earlier this year. Rising inflation and widespread corruption have also fueled public discontent. Additionally, Vucic has faced backlash over his handling of the crisis in Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008.
As the election draws to a close, it remains to be seen whether Vucic will succeed in further consolidating his power or whether the opposition coalition will manage to make significant gains in the parliament and city council. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Serbia's political landscape and its future direction.