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Serbia is set to hold municipal elections this weekend, with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party expected to maintain its hold on power. President Aleksandar Vucic’s party is favored to win, despite allegations of election fraud in the capital city of Belgrade last December. The opposition, however, remains weak and divided, lowering the chances of an upset.
Over 6.5 million voters will choose local authorities in key cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis, among others. The ruling party has held power for over a decade, controlling all levels of government. If the opposition manages to win some local councils or big cities, it would be considered a significant success.
However, analysts warn of widespread voter apathy and disappointment among opposition supporters due to disagreements and divisions among opposition groups. Key players in the election include Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party, who have dismissed reports of irregularities in the previous election. The opposition has accused Vucic of crime links and corruption, but disagreements within the opposition have complicated their efforts.
International election observers have reported irregularities in the December election, including biased media coverage, voter manipulation, and misuse of public resources. Despite pressure from the EU to address these issues, little progress has been made, according to the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability. The election is seen as a crucial test for Serbia’s democracy, with concerns over the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
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Photo credit apnews.com
