In the recent parliamentary election in Serbia, the ruling Serbian Progressive Party claimed a substantial victory, securing approximately 47% of the vote with projections indicating around 130 seats in the 250-member assembly. Acting Prime Minister Ana Brnabic shared these preliminary results, emphasizing the governing party's success. The primary opposition, the Serbia Against Violence coalition, is expected to garner around 23% of the vote. While disputes arose over the election results in Belgrade, the capital city, President Aleksandar Vucic expressed confidence in his party's performance there, noting that coalition negotiations would ultimately determine the governing authority in Belgrade.
The election was not without controversy, with reports of irregularities, including accusations of vote-rigging, prompting disputes from the opposition. The opposition, led by Serbia Against Violence, contested the election projections and pledged to challenge the results through democratic means. Accusations ranged from organized illegal voting to financial inducements and unauthorized individuals present at polling stations.
Despite these challenges, the ruling party characterized the outcome as an "absolute victory," with President Vucic celebrating the achievements of the previous period while acknowledging the difficulties that lie ahead. The election, seen by some as a referendum on Vucic's leadership, occurred against a backdrop of widespread discontent fueled by issues such as high inflation, corruption, and the handling of the Kosovo crisis. The president, although not formally on the ballot, campaigned vigorously for the Serbian Progressive Party, reinforcing the perception that the election served as a crucial test of his political influence.
