Serbia’s opposition takes to the streets claiming election fraud in Sunday’s vote
PBS NewsHourDEC 2023
Observers Claim Serbia's Elections Favored Ruling Party
Image copyright: Vladimir Zivojinovic/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Spin
Narrative A
While some irregularities have indeed been noted in the Serbian snap election, the electoral process was well-managed and smoothly conducted despite previous worries. Observers reported only small-scale problems in the national vote, with no systemic irregularity being found on the election day.
Narrative B
It's disturbing that serious irregularities, such as misuse of public funds and vote buying, were reported in a country to which the European Union has granted a candidate status. Additionally, claims that tens of thousands of unregistered voters were allowed to illegally cast ballots in Belgrade's municipal election raise further concern about the current state of democracy in Serbia.