US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill said violence and vandalism against state institutions have no place in a democratic society, and added that the legitimacy of democratic processes depends upon transparency and on the readiness of all parties to respect the will of the people.

“In the hours and days ahead, Serbia’s leaders and its citizens should remember: The legitimacy of democratic processes depends upon transparency and on the readiness of all parties, winning or losing, to respect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box,“ Hill wrote on the X social media platform.

He added that the work of Serbia’s electoral institutions remains vital, “even as Serbia works with the OSCE and others to address deficiencies in its democratic processes.”

“Grievances should be raised through legal, peaceful, nonviolent means. Violence and vandalism against state institutions have no place in a democratic society,” wrote the US diplomat.

Hill said that as police maintain public order, they must do their utmost to protect citizens’ dignity and civil rights.

“I have every confidence Serbia will come through these challenges with its democracy strengthened. All of Serbia’s citizens have a right to be heard and a responsibility to express their political views peacefully and without resort to violence,” said the US Ambassador to Belgrade.