The electoral silence, which started at midnight between Thursday and Friday, is being accompanied by mutual accusations, mobilisation of voters in social networks and concerns about the management of the election process. Over 16 thousand domestic and international observers are expected to monitor the elections.
In recent days, pro-government media have been running charges against independent media, charging them with attacks on Vuciqi and his family. At the same time, supporters of the student list are intensifying calls for mass voter turnout through social networks.
Portal Nova.rs announced it had become the target of mass attacks by automated accounts, known as bots. According to the editorials, the number of followers had increased by about 15 thousand within just half an hour, a development that raised concerns about possible efforts to undermine media presence on social networks.
This is a model of attacks against which many independent media and organisations in Serbia were exposed in the previous period, the Nova response reported.
The portal stressed that the attacks are particularly disturbing, as they happen one day before elections, when citizens need access to reliable and independent information.
The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Serbia has called on institutions responsible to ensure the safety of citizens, the impartiality of institutions and respect of the law during the election process.
Concerns have also been raised about the possibility of pressure on students, professors, and members of the academic community. The Academy Crisis Centre has announced it will provide support to those who may face pressure, police violence or arrests.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dejan Lucic has been arrested under suspicion of criminal activity causing panic and disorder. According to Belgrade’s High Public Prosecutor, he allegedly published a video with claims of possible electoral manipulation and the response of security institutions in TikTok.
A tight race and many undecided voters
According to data cited in media reports, a considerable portion of the electorate has yet to decide for whom it will vote. In one survey, 18.3 percent of respondents have not declared their preference or decided whether to participate in the vote.
The student list aims to benefit from civic discontent, which has been expressed through protests over the past two years. It competes with 250 candidates, among them professors, scientists, doctors and representatives of culture, sports and civic activism.
On the other hand, Vuciq relies on the organised structure of the Serbian Progressive Party and on a traditionally consolidated electorate, especially among pensioners, rural residents and public sector employees.
The student list has avoided some sensitive foreign policy topics, including Kosovo and relations with the European Union, arguing strategic decisions should be left to institutions elected under democratic conditions. It proposes establishing a transitional professional government with limited mandate.
Votes and Expectations for Results
Polling stations in Serbia will open Sunday at 7: 00 p.m. and close at 8:00. According to preliminary reports, there are a total of 8,210 polling stations in the country.
The first preliminary results are expected during the night after the vote, while fuller official data can become known in the early hours of Monday.
The elections are being held in a polarised climate, where the clash between power and student movement has taken on wider proportions than an ordinary parliamentary race. Facing Vuciqi’s consolidated support and frustration mobilised by protests, voter turnout and the credibility of the election process are expected to be crucial factors.
Source Layer: RTKLive
