Local elections in Serbia over the weekend exposed signs of eroding support for President Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), despite what observers say were unfair conditions marked by misuse of public resources, vote buying and voter intimidation.
Preliminary results showed the SNS-led coalition narrowly retained majorities in the municipalities of Kosjerić and Zaječar, winning by a single seat in Kosjerić and two in Zaječar’s local assemblies. In Kosjerić, the SNS list secured 49.23% of the vote, edging out a united opposition bloc supported by student activists, which garnered 48.54% – a difference of just 51 votes. In Zaječar, SNS won 47%, while two opposition lists combined for 42%.
The vote marked the first electoral test since student-led protests erupted nationwide earlier this year, with turnout reported as exceptionally high in both towns.
Widespread Irregularities Reported
The elections, held on June 8, were marred by irregularities documented by civil society organisations and independent observers. The Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) reported 71 incidents in the final three weeks of campaigning, including smear campaigns, intimidation, and physical assaults targeting opposition activists, journalists and voters.
CRTA also documented 90 appearances by national officials in support of local SNS campaigns, as well as 70 cases of potential misuse of public funds and nearly 70 instances of misleading political advertising favoring the ruling party.
“More than one-third of all government officials’ campaign activities nationwide in the final weeks took place in Zaječar and Kosjerić,” CRTA said in a statement.
On election day, CRTA reported instances of voters receiving pre-filled ballots at polling stations in Zaječar, while some observers were pressured by polling officials.
Police Abuse, Voter Intimidation Alleged
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) expressed “deep concern” over “serious irregularities” and accused the Ministry of Interior of selectively enforcing the law during the elections.
“In Kosjerić, there was a significant presence of both uniformed and plainclothes individuals, lacking legally required identification, who claimed to be police officers,” the BCSP said in a statement. “Citizens were prevented from accessing certain areas, and several journalists were physically attacked and obstructed from reporting.”
Similar incidents were reported in Zaječar, where BCSP documented tensions outside polling stations and pressure on voters by individuals acting without legal authority.
N1 Television reported on June 10 that some voters in Zaječar claimed they had not received promised payments of 3,000 to 4,000 dinars (approx. EUR 30) in exchange for their votes, allegedly offered by SNS campaign operatives.
Vučić Rejects Accusations, Alleges Foreign Interference
President Vučić, addressing supporters from the SNS headquarters in Belgrade on Sunday night, rejected the allegations of electoral misconduct and claimed the elections were held under “unprecedented conditions of lynching, persecution and harassment.”
“We managed to win… You can shout, threaten, beat us, occupy cafes, squares and streets, but when people vote, they choose our Serbia, not foreign money,” Vučić said, again accusing protesters and student groups of attempting a “colour revolution” with foreign backing.
Opposition leaders in both municipalities have announced they will file formal complaints to the local electoral commissions. Final results will be confirmed once the commissions issue rulings, after which legal challenges may be pursued in court.