Observers Claim Serbia's Elections Favored Ruling Party
The Facts
International observers of Serbia's early parliamentary elections claimed on Monday that the vote was held under unfair conditions, citing the decisive involvement of Pres. Aleksandar Vučić and alleged systemic advantages to his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe who monitored the campaigns and some polling stations further alleged there were cases of intimidation, pressure on voters, and vote buying.
The Spin
Narrative A
While some irregularities have indeed been noted in the Serbian snap election, the electoral process was well-managed and smoothly conducted despite previous worries. Observers reported only small-scale problems in the national vote, with no systemic irregularity being found on the election day.
Narrative B
It's disturbing that serious irregularities, such as misuse of public funds and vote buying, were reported in a country to which the European Union has granted a candidate status. Additionally, claims that tens of thousands of unregistered voters were allowed to illegally cast ballots in Belgrade's municipal election raise further concern about the current state of democracy in Serbia.