Voters in Serbia are participating in a rerun election in the capital, Belgrade, and several other cities and towns on Sunday. The ruling right-wing populists are aiming to solidify their grip on power, with the vote in Belgrade being repeated following reports of widespread irregularities in the previous election held last December.
The Serbian Progressive Party, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, has faced accusations of rigging the vote, which triggered political tensions. Despite denying the allegations, the populists decided to schedule a repeat ballot. In addition to Belgrade, elections are taking place for more than 80 municipal councils and city halls in Novi Sad and Nis.
President Vucic has expressed formal interest in Serbia joining the European Union, but concerns have been raised about the country's drift away from pro-EU democracy values. The ruling party has emphasized its ability to govern the nation effectively and ensure stability amidst global uncertainties.
Opposition groups, critical of Vucic's leadership, have accused the government of crime links, corruption, and anti-democratic practices. However, internal divisions within the opposition have weakened their stance, leading to voter apathy among Serbia's population.
The Serbian Progressive Party is widely viewed as the frontrunner in the current election, given its long-standing control over the country's political landscape. Any potential gains by the opposition, especially in local councils and major cities, would mark a significant shift in power dynamics.
International election observers have previously highlighted concerns about the fairness of the December election, citing issues such as biased media coverage, pressure on public sector employees, and misuse of public resources. Despite recommendations for improvement, local observers suggest that similar challenges persist in the current vote.
Allegations of fraud in Belgrade include reports of voters being transported from other regions within Serbia and even from neighboring Bosnia to support Vucic's party. The outcome of the rerun election is awaited with keen interest both domestically and internationally.
