Local elections in three municipalities in Serbia, numerous irregularities recorded

The observation mission of the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) withdrew its observers from the elections in Mionica in western Serbia today, after two members of their mission were attacked in full view of the police, who did not react.

As stated by the CRTA, unknown men blocked the passage of a car carrying the mobile team of this observation mission, and tried to break the vehicle's windows. They pointed out that everything happened in front of the police, who did not react - "they neither protected the observers, nor even identified the perpetrators."

CRTA Program Director Rasa Nedeljkov told N1 that the atmosphere in Mionica is like a war zone, with a large number of suspicious people "with hoods, scarves pulled over their faces" on the streets, as well as luxury vehicles. Nedeljkov also noted that the police are cooperating with people from the criminal environment.

In Mionica, tires were also slashed this morning on vehicles belonging to observers who came from Novi Sad to monitor the local elections.

The atmosphere is no better in Secanj, a small town in northern Serbia. An N1 reporter reported that the bus station in that town is closed, and citizens, journalists and students are prohibited from accessing the premises intended for people with disabilities, which are located within the station, and where people wearing badges with the mark "Ć" (a symbol for the term "ćaci", a popular name for supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party) gathered.

In a closed catering facility, near the bus station, people with lists of people whose exact activities are unknown were filmed.

Observers of the Go-Change movement reported that numerous irregularities were recorded in all three places, and that an attempt by the so-called "Bulgarian train" was prevented in Negotin.

During that time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic assessed for the pro-regime TV Informer that the elections "are essentially proceeding peacefully for the most part for now".

Regular local elections are being held in Negotin and Mionica, while extraordinary elections are being held in Secanj.

In Negotin, the local parliament has 45 councilors, and citizens will choose from four electoral lists.

In Mionica, six electoral lists are participating, from which 39 councilors will be elected.

In Secanj, 23 councilors are being elected to the local parliament, from five electoral lists.