Protesters Demand Repeat of Elections in Serbia
Serbia witnessed its largest demonstration yet against the elections held on December 17th, as thousands of people gathered in Belgrade to accuse the government of election fraud and demand the annulment of the results.
At the rally in Belgrade, opposition politician Marinika Tepic led the call for a repeat of the election, alleging widespread irregularities. She was joined by fellow opposition politician Radomir Lazovic, who urged the international community to exert pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections.
Fortunately, the demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of violence. However, it’s worth noting that some individuals were injured in protests that occurred on Christmas Eve. Preliminary results indicate that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) secured 46.7 percent of the votes, while the opposition alliance Serbia Against Violence received 23.6 percent.
The opposition alliance specifically highlights potential electoral fraud related to the municipal elections in Belgrade. Observers have drawn attention to the registration of individuals from other regions of Serbia and neighboring countries as voters in Belgrade, claiming they were transported by buses to manipulate the outcome. President Vucic has dismissed these allegations, deeming them fabricated, and accused the opposition of conspiring to overthrow the government under foreign influence.
Marinika Tepic’s dedication to the cause has been unwavering. Despite appearing weakened during her speech at the rally, she disclosed that she has been on a hunger strike since the election. It is expected that Tepic will soon be taken to the hospital due to her deteriorating condition.
As tensions escalate and public discontent rises, the demand for a repeat of the elections is gaining traction. The opposition’s allegations of election fraud have thrown Serbia’s political landscape into turmoil, underscoring the need for an impartial investigation into the matter. The eyes of both domestic and international observers now turn to President Vucic to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections in the country.