Voting was under way on Sunday in local elections across 10 municipalities in Serbia, with multiple incidents of violence and allegations of attacks on political activists and election observers reported in several locations, including Bor and Bajina Basta.
Polling stations opened for elections to local assemblies in the city of Bor and municipalities including Smederevska Palanka, Bajina Basta, Kula, Lucani, Arandjelovac, Kladovo, Knjazevac, Majdanpek and the Sevojno city municipality.
Reports from local media and observers described clashes and isolated violence during the vote. In Bor, a student was reportedly beaten, while separate accounts said several people were injured in a confrontation involving groups near polling stations.
In Bajina Basta, an activist and an election observer were attacked, according to media reports, with claims that unidentified individuals seized their mobile phones. Other reports said tyres of vehicles used by observers were slashed.
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) said its activists were attacked in Bor with batons, leaving several injured and requiring hospital treatment. A local party official alleged the attackers were attempting to disrupt voting and create unrest at polling stations.
Other media outlets reported conflicting accounts, including allegations that groups of individuals gathered near polling sites, some carrying objects such as sticks, while authorities in some areas detained suspects.
Police and election authorities have not yet issued a comprehensive statement on the incidents. It was not immediately possible to independently verify all claims.
Election silence rules remain in force until polling stations close, prohibiting campaigning or political messaging during voting hours.
The elections are seen as a test of local political support amid a polarised political climate, with tensions periodically flaring between ruling party supporters and opposition groups.