Serbs go to the polls in the shadow of war in Ukraine

Belgrade, April 3, 2022 (AFP) – Serbs went to the polls Sunday for a vote in which populist President Aleksandar Vucic seeks re-election on the promise of guaranteeing stability in the shadow of war in Ukraine.

In addition to the 250 deputies and the president, the country’s voters also choose representatives of the city councils.

The head of the province’s centre-right SNS party is expected to confirm Parliamentary control, according to recent polls. And the president appears to be the favorite for a second term in this country, which is traditionally close to Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the end of February turned the tide of the election campaign, which analysts said would focus on the environment, corruption and civil rights.

Accused of authoritarianism by his rivals, Vucic took advantage of the instability of the war and presented himself as the only candidate who could lead the country in the midst of the crisis.

During the campaign, the president created a new slogan: “Peace. Stability. Vucic.”

“We expect a great victory,” the president said as he voted in Belgrade. “The most important thing is to maintain peace, stability and achieve great economic progress,” he said.

In a country that was once considered an outcast, the memories of the wars that led to the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia and the economic sanctions affecting the middle class are still vivid.

“People prefer a leader who promises stability rather than risking change,” said Zoran Stojiljkovic, professor of political science in Belgrade. said.

“Major crises, at least in the short term, favor those already in power. They create uncertainty, fear, and hope that the system will at least guarantee basic security,” he adds.

A few months ago, the opposition seemed to come to the fore in the polls.

In January, Vucic shelved a controversial project for a lithium mine that sparked protests from tens of thousands of people.

The retreat came as a surprise to a man who usually didn’t change his position after ten years in power, such as deputy prime minister, head of government, or president.

The opposition hopes for a high turnout this Sunday to push the dispute to the second round.

Polls show Vucic’s main opponent is retired general Zdravko Ponos, a surprise candidate from the pro-European opposition.

“I hope the vote is synonymous with a drastic change in Serbia,” Ponos said. said. “I believe in a bright future and that elections are a good way to change the situation.”

But analysts do not expect major changes from the current parliament, which is almost entirely controlled by the pro-Vucic coalition.

In Serbia, many support the Kremlin war, including some opposition parties. And those who don’t do not speak out for fear of alienating pro-Moscow voters.

Also, Vucic has other weapons. During his tenure, he intensified his influence in virtually all media as well as in all power levels and institutions of de facto control.

Before the election campaign, the president announced subsidies, and critics accused him of buying votes.

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