DASH asks Serbia to cooperate with the OSCE on the outcome of the elections

2023-12-25 16:59:49, Kosova & Bota CNA

DASH asks Serbia to cooperate with the OSCE on the outcome of the elections

Illustrative photo

The American Department of State (DASH) called on the authorities in Serbia to cooperate with the OSCE mission in investigating allegations of electoral irregularities, Voice of America reports.

As the State Department pointed out, violence against journalists, observers and election officials is "unacceptable", and that the legitimacy of democratic processes depends on transparency and the willingness of all participants to accept the results of the elections.

"We are focused, in cooperation with Serbia, on strengthening the democratic government and the rule of law, improving regional cooperation, continuing economic growth and accelerating Serbia's progress on the path to membership in the European Union. The future of Serbia lies in the West", states DASH's response to the Voice of America's questions regarding the new protests in Belgrade.

The announcement states that the disturbing findings of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that the elections were marred by numerous procedural errors, pressure on public officials and abuse of public resources, and that, these factors, together with the systematic advantages of the ruling parties, created unfair conditions.

"The United States urges Serbia to work closely with the OSCE to address these concerns," they wrote, adding that allegations of irregularities, reported by ODIHR and other election observation teams, should be are investigated.

The opposition has been protesting since the Dec. 17 election, accusing the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of election theft, including registering fictitious voters from Serbia and abroad.

The Republican Election Commission (RKZ) announced on December 24 that it has checked the electoral lists and added that the claims of the coalition "Serbia against violence" that the number of voters with the right to vote in the elections in Belgrade has been artificially increased to influence the outcome of the elections " are not true".

On the same day, the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vu?i?, declared that the voting took place in a democratic atmosphere and that it was the "most peaceful election ever in modern history".

ODIHR announced on December 18 that the elections were marked by serious irregularities, misuse of public funds, media dominance of President Vu?i?, negative campaigning and fear-mongering.

A part of the MEPs demanded an independent investigation of all irregularities reported during the elections held in Serbia on December 17.

Serbian citizens voted on December 17 in parliamentary, provincial and local elections in 65 cities and municipalities, including Belgrade. The SNS declared victory at all levels.