International observers urge violence-free elections after clashes at Serbia vote
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- International observers reported violence, threats, and irregularities during Serbia's local elections held in 10 towns, raising concerns about the fairness of the vote.
- President Aleksandar Vucic's right-wing Serbian Progressive Party claimed victory in all municipalities, despite reports of clashes and intimidation by masked supporters.
- Observers condemned violence and breaches of voting secrecy, noting a highly polarized pre-election campaign focused on national issues.
- Independent monitors documented numerous violent incidents, voting irregularities, and police interventions, with some describing the elections as far from free or fair.
- Vucic accused neighboring Croatia of supporting opposition protests, prompting Croatia to cancel a regional meeting and criticize Vucic’s impact on regional stability.
