The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that irregularities in the elections in Serbia, as reported by international observer missions, are “unacceptable” for a state aspiring to join the European Union.
“Serbia has voted, but the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) have reported abuses of public resources, voter intimidation, and cases of vote-buying. This is unacceptable for a state that has the status of a candidate country for accession,” said the German Ministry in a post on the X platform, previously known as Twitter.
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has stated that the elections in Serbia were marked by serious irregularities, misuse of public funds, media dominance by the state president, Aleksandar Vučić, negative campaigns, and the spread of fear.
International observers and the OSCE mission have been part of election observation missions in Serbia.
“These are serious problems that institutions must address and investigate thoroughly in order to create conditions for fair elections and stronger democracy in Serbia in the future,” said the OSCE in a press conference held on December 18.
Regarding irregularities on election day, ODIHR has stated that group voting and violations of vote privacy were observed.
“We have seen serious irregularities, including vote-buying,” said representatives of international observers on December 18.
Doubts about irregularities in the elections have also been echoed by a part of the opposition.
Parties of the opposition coalition “Serbia against Violence” have stated that there were many irregularities in local elections in Belgrade and that the results do not reflect the will of the citizens.
At their invitation, some residents of Belgrade participated in a protest on December 18, demanding the annulment of the elections in the Serbian capital.
The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Vučić has dismissed accusations of results contrary to the will of the citizens and other irregularities.
Some local observation missions in Serbia have also raised doubts about the results of parliamentary elections, stating that drastic violations were registered.
On December 17, Serbia held parliamentary, local, and regional elections.
Vučić’s party, SNS, declared victory at all levels.
