Serbia - December 2023

Following reports of electoral fraud in the 17 December elections, tens of thousands protested, opposition figures went on hunger strike, and student organizations staged blockades. Police violence and arrests ensued when supporters of the opposition, Serbia Against Violence, tried to break into Belgrade’s city hall by smashing windows. The opposition suspects the involvement of agents provocateurs in the incident. President Vučić and Russian authorities attributed the turmoil to foreign interference, while Prime Minister Ana Brnabić thanked the Russian secret service for information on the opposition. EU election observers reported organized voters from Republika Srpska (RS) and cases of intimidation. Authorities claim only citizens voted. Of the alleged 40,000 voters from RS, Brnabić says 20,360 crossed the border on voting day, with only about 15,000 voting. Germany deemed accusations of electoral misconduct for an EU candidate country unacceptable. MEPs along with 24 senior European foreign affairs politicians, called for an independent investigation. During a European Parliament plenary session, most speakers criticized the elections.

Sources: N1, Euractiv (1), Euractiv (2), Euractiv (3), European Western Balkans, British Broadcasting Corporation, Politico (1), Politico (2), The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, OSCE ODHIR, International IDEA