News

Serbia’s Ruling Populists Accused of Election Fraud

Published

12 months ago

December 30, 2023

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Thousands of people have rallied in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, accusing the populist authorities of President Aleksandar Vucic of orchestrating fraud during a recent general election.

Following reports of several anomalies, including instances of vote-buying and ballot box stuffing, from representatives of several international rights watchdogs monitoring the elections, the opposition has called for an international investigation of the results.

Protesters wave Serbian flags during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Protests

Serbia Against Violence has led daily protests since Dec 17, demanding the vote be annulled and rerun

According to M10news, Tensions have risen following last weekend’s event, which saw violent clashes and the detention of opposition sympathizers. On Sunday night, after attempting to shatter windows and enter the Belgrade municipal hall, riot police used batons, pepper spray, and tear gas to force the demonstrators back. Police apprehended at least 38 people.

Opposition Leaders

Leading opposition lawmaker Marinika Tepic, who has been on a hunger strike since the election, was welcomed with roars of approval from the Saturday rally attendees. Tepic was supposed to be admitted to the hospital following her appearance at the event since her health had been compromised. The foreign world was encouraged by another opposition lawmaker, Radomir Lazovic, “not to stay silent” and to pressure Vucic to hold fresh elections under free and fair conditions.

Protesters take part in a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — . (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Protesters carry a picture of former Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Marinika Tepic, center, a member of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, who is currently on hunger strike, waves during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

International Community

Following reports of numerous anomalies, including instances of vote-buying and ballot box stuffing, by representatives of various international rights watchdogs monitoring the elections, the opposition has called for an international investigation into the poll.

Marinika Tepic, center, a member of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, who is currently on hunger strike, raises her fist during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Marinika Tepic, center, a member of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, who is currently on hunger strike, is helped on stage during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Marinika Tepic, center, a member of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, who is currently on hunger strike, attends a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Protesters carry a bannera that reads: "We don't agree" during a demonstration downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Thousands of people gathered to protest what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a recent general election. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) — (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbia is formally seeking membership in the European Union. Still, the Balkan nation has maintained close ties with Moscow and has refused to join Western sanctions imposed on Russia over the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Voting was free and fair, according to Vucic, who has the full support of Russian officials in his crackdown against protestors.

The protests and accusations of election fraud in Serbia have increased tensions in the country. The opposition has called for a rerun of the election, while the ruling party has rejected the allegations of fraud. The international community has been urged to investigate the reported irregularities.