Opposition leader: Vucic wants boycott to create illusion of democracy

He added his party was preparing for the elections since the authorities could be dethroned in two ways – in an election or revolution. He did not exclude the latter, but said that "before that, all other ways of struggle should be tried."

"Whether we will take part in the next elections depends on the atmosphere and conditions, on whether all agreed and written in a dialogue is implemented (terms set during the talks between a part of the opposition and ruling coalition mediated by the European Parliament representatives), Zivkovic said.

He told the daily he understood the reasons for the boycott, "but I believe (President Aleksandar) Vucic wants that  the most to create an illusion of democracy and that the real fighters for Serbia stay out of the parliamentary life."

Zivkovic said if New Party would boycott the elections that would mean there were no conditions for a regular vote.

"But, even then we have to be on alert. We have to create a campaign and plan for the boycott, to know what will happen months or a year after. It's naïve to think that a day after the boycott Vucic will lose power just like that," Zivkovic said.

The largest opposition coalition Alliance for Serbia (SzS) has already decided not to take part in the next general elections.

The EP representatives held three rounds of negotiations with the ruling coalition and some minor opposition parties, but the results did not change the SzS decision.

SzS demands the postponement of the regular elections due in March next year, but, according to the Constitution, that is possible only if a state of emergency is declared.

However, on Saturday, the Parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic said the vote would not be called for March, but that Vucic would decide on the new date.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said she asked Vucic to extend the election deadline for as long as possible "in line with the Constitution and laws," which should be in May.