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Parties hold final rallies before general election
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands gathered in Belgrade for the final rally of the Student List, a student movement calling for an end to Serbia's current regime in Sunday's parliamentary election, marking a significant political challenge to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
- The Student List, born from two years of protests after a fatal railway station collapse, has gained substantial public support by focusing on corruption and institutional failure, potentially winning over 40% of the vote according to polls.
- The ruling SNS held a parallel rally emphasizing stability and continuity, accusing opponents of serving foreign interests, with former President Aleksandar Vucic framing the election as a battle for Serbia’s sovereignty.
- The campaign has been marred by violence, intimidation, and concerns over election fairness, including media bias favoring the government, allegations of vote-buying, and police inaction against opposition harassment.
- Post-election tensions are anticipated, with fears of political crisis if results are close or contested, and the European Union's response is seen as critical in ensuring democratic processes and preventing escalation.
