Thousands of protesters in Belgrade demand annulment of Serbian elections
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, on Monday to demand the annulment of the country’s parliamentary and local elections, which were held last week.The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won the elections with 46.72% of the vote, according to the country’s electoral commission. The opposition alliance “United Against Violence” came in second with 23.56% of the vote, and the Socialist Party of Serbia won 6.56% of the vote.International observers have called the elections unfair, citing allegations of media bias, the improper influence of President Aleksandar Vucic, and voting irregularities such as vote buying.On Monday, protesters gathered in front of the headquarters of the Republic Election Commission (RIK) to demand that the results of the elections be annulled. The protest was largely peaceful, but police used tear gas to disperse some protesters who tried to enter the RIK building.Protesters chanted slogans such as “No to dictatorship!” and “Vucic, step down!” They also carried banners with messages calling for the annulment of the elections.
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations against Vucic and his government. Opposition parties have accused Vucic of consolidating power and undermining democracy in Serbia.It remains to be seen whether the protests will have any impact on the outcome of the elections. However, they have clearly demonstrated the deep dissatisfaction of many Serbians with the current government.
