Serbia's Ruling Party Accused of Election-Related Violence
With Serbia's October 25 parliamentary elections approaching, supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party have attacked protesters, observers, journalists and opposition figures. Police reportedly failed to intervene in several incidents. A hired operative told BIRN he spent a decade providing security that included vote-buying and beating protesters.
The incidents have clustered in the weeks before Serbia’s October 25 parliamentary vote. In Uzice, SNS backers beat citizens at a protest over Aleksandar Vucic’s visit while officers did not step in. In Belgrade, an Anti-Corruption Agency observer was hurt while monitoring a ruling-party stand. In Novi Sad, SNS supporters, including a parliamentary candidate, tried to take a banner from student-led opposition activists.
A Belgrade mayor was accused of assaulting a female opposition councillor, which he denied. An N1 journalist was attacked and threatened by a prominent SNS backer investigating fraud, and an independent journalist in Nis was hurt while filming SNS campaigning. A hired operative told BIRN his decade-long security work included paying for votes and striking demonstrators.
If such reports continue, voters, journalists, observers and opposition activists may feel less safe participating in campaign activities. Police inaction, if perceived, could weaken public confidence in election fairness and state institutions. The allegations may deepen polarization and discourage some citizens from reporting abuses. International observers and media could scrutinize the vote more closely, potentially affecting Serbia’s reputation. These are possible effects, not certain outcomes.