Tensions escalated in Serbia as riot police deployed tear gas and pepper spray to disperse opposition demonstrators advocating for the nullification of elections allegedly tainted by extensive fraud allegations.
On Sunday evening, a fervent crowd, denouncing the parliamentary and local election outcomes from December 17, targeted Belgrade City Hall. International observers pinpointed a slew of irregularities, including claims of vote manipulation, ballot stuffing, and undue influence from President Aleksandar Vucic. Amidst the chaos, demonstrators, echoing chants like “Vucic thief” and “Vucic is Putin”, made attempts to breach the administrative hub using flagpoles and rocks. However, their efforts were thwarted by the vigilant riot police.
Preliminary results from electoral authorities revealed Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) clinching a commanding parliamentary lead with an impressive 47% of the total votes. Meanwhile, the Serbia Against Violence alliance of the centre-left secured 23.56%, trailed by the Socialist Party of Serbia at 6.56%.
Amidst claims of electoral misconduct, particularly in Belgrade with reports of external voter recruitment, Serbia Against Violence vehemently disputed the results. In a sternly-worded communication, the alliance urged European Union entities and member nations to denounce the election’s legitimacy, demanding an investigative intervention.
Nebojsa Zelenovic, the figurehead of Serbia Against Violence, highlighted the omnipresence of security forces, insinuating their reluctance to acknowledge the election’s contentious outcomes. However, Vucic remains steadfast, dismissing allegations and portraying the protests as orchestrated attempts to destabilize Serbia. Addressing the nation via pro-government Pink TV, Vucic asserted that the unrest aimed at undermining state institutions, hinting at foreign-backed conspiracies.
As tensions persist, Vucic confirmed over 35 arrests and hinted at further crackdowns, emphasizing national stability and condemning any attempts to jeopardize Serbia’s integrity. Notably, this unrest follows earlier antigovernment demonstrations in May, rooted initially in grievance against tragic events but soon evolving into broader critiques of governance issues, including economic challenges and corruption perceptions.