CoE delegation notes tense political situation in Serbia prior to elections

The pre-electoral delegation of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) was in Belgrade to assess the pre-electoral climate and preparations a month before the presidential and early parliamentary elections scheduled for April 3, 2022, a press release said.

It added that representatives of civil society and the media described a tense political situation and the dominant position in the public sphere of the main government political party led by the President of the Republic, in particular in public broadcast media. “Domestic election observation organisations informed the delegation of problems and intimidation during the constitutional referendum held on 16 January 2022. The delegation heard, from different interlocutors, concerns about pressure put on voters and fears of possible irregularities on election day.

“The delegation noted that the general atmosphere is calm, and that all political contestants can campaign freely without restriction. It also took note of the legal obligation to bring forward lists with a minimum of 40 per cent of the under-represented gender. The delegation was also informed about the polarisation of society before these elections and the growing popularity of extremist opinions, which could cause additional tension,” the press release said.

PACE has observed all elections in Serbia since 2000 (with the exception of the parliamentary elections of 2020). The PACE delegation met with the Speaker of the Parliament and the Serbian delegation to PACE, leaders and representatives of political parties and coalitions, members of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission, the Chairperson and members of the Central Election Commission, members of the diplomatic corps in Belgrade and representatives of civil society and the media. A full-fledged 22-member PACE delegation, accompanied by representatives of the Venice Commission, will travel to Serbia to observe the vote on 3 April.