• Saturday, 16 November 2024

Renewed protests over alleged local election fraud in Belgrade

Renewed protests over alleged local election fraud in Belgrade

Belgrade, 25 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) – Several thousands supporters of the Serbian opposition again took to the streets of Belgrade on Monday to protest against what they see as massive fraud in local elections a week ago.

 

Demonstrators marched through the Belgrade inner city chanting "Thieves, thieves," a dpa correspondent on the scene observed.

 

It was the eighth day of protests in a row against the election results.

 

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Aleksandar Vučić won victories in the early parliamentary and local elections in many cities, including Belgrade, on December 17. However, the SNS won only a narrow victory in the capital.

 

According to the opposition, this narrow victory was only possible due to widespread fraud.

 

Election observers reported numerous irregularities. Tens of thousands of Vučić supporters, who do not live in Belgrade, are reported to have voted illegally by registering fake addresses in the capital.

 

Vučić denied the allegations of electoral fraud during a press conference on Sunday.

 

The protests also escalated on Sunday, when opposition politicians attempted to enter the Belgrade City Hall before being blocked by police.

 

Stones were thrown at the building and at police, who responded with teargas.

 

According to the Interior Ministry, 38 protestors and eight police officers were injured.

 

Photo: EPA