The ruling Serbian Progressive Party, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, has claimed victory in Serbia’s parliamentary election, securing about 47% of the vote according to a preliminary count, Associated Press reports.
The Serbia Against Violence opposition alliance with 23% of the votes, contested the results of the local election in Belgrade, accusing the ruling party of fraud. Reports include the mass transportation of ethnic Serbs from Bosnia to vote in Belgrade, the issuance of 40,000 identity documents for non-residents, and allegations of voters being paid or pressured to support the ruling party.
The opposition plans to file official complaints and organize a street protest, while the ruling party denies the allegations.
The election, seen as a referendum on Vucic’s leadership, occurred amid tensions and concerns over democratic freedoms in Serbia, which has been a candidate for European Union membership since 2014.
