Server: Vucic's victory convincing but stained

"I don't support (election) boycott in general, but in this case, I understand that (Serbia's) opposition identified some real democratic deficiencies, primarily in media freedom and an independent judiciary. Those were the reasons which motivated the boycott and infringed this victory," Server, an expert in the Balkans, said.

He added that the presidential election due in 2022, was a chance for the opposition to unite behind a strong candidate and take part in the vote even if conditions were not much better.

Server said he could not see how the election conditions might improve, since "Vucic doesn't feel any pressure to allow more media freedom, independent judiciary or correct many other things that should be fixed in Serbia."

"The European Union has partially given up its responsibility; the Americans strongly support President Vucic and his territorial aspirations in the division of Kosovo. So, I don't see where the pressure could come from," Server said.

Asked if Vucic would make a deal on Kosovo, Server said he was not sure Vucic himself knew it. He "has always been open in saying he wants something in return for accepting an agreement, and even more open in letting know he wants a chunk of Kosovo territory."

"However, some real agreement on that won't be possible because Kosovo's Government, Parliament and people are against it, as are the Serbs south of the river Ibar. I don't see any agreement on full normalisation, the establishment of diplomatic relations, recognition and Kosovo's UN membership soon," Server told VOA.

He added he could support the efforts by the White House special envoy Richard Grenell to make economic deals, between Belgrade and Pristina, if, he said, "it was really the casel."