On the situation in Serbia following the elections
B-9-2024-0132
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Michael Gahler, Vladimír Bilčík, Željana Zovko, Rasa Juknevičienė, Andrius Kubilius, Andrey Kovatchev
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
Parliament's resolution on Serbia after the 17 December 2023 early parliamentary elections notes the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission found the vote ran smoothly but with procedural deficiencies. It welcomes some electoral amendments, calls for full investigation of complaints and attacks, and urges prompt formation of a functioning parliament and government.¶¶¶ It warns that repeated early elections and permanent campaigning weaken Serbia's parliament and democratic governance, and commits to monitoring post-electoral developments and supporting reforms for EU accession.¶¶¶
Key points
- Notes the international election observation mission found the election conducted smoothly but marked by procedural deficiencies, including inconsistent safeguards, overcrowding, breaches of voting secrecy and group voting.¶
- Welcomes amendments addressing previous ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations on campaign finance, but notes unaddressed matters: level playing field, misuse of public office and state resources, separation of official duties from campaigning, and preventing intimidation and vote buying.¶
- Underlines that all but one Serbian parliament in the past 10 years were dissolved early, and that further unnecessary snap elections would not be conducive to political stability.¶
- Stresses that constant early elections, permanent campaign mode and long delays in forming governments weaken parliament and reduce legislative oversight and legitimacy.¶
- Undertakes to closely monitor post-electoral developments while awaiting the observation mission's final report, and commits to supporting reforms that strengthen democracy and Serbia's EU accession path.¶
- Stresses the importance of thoroughly investigating all election-related complaints, including the request to annul the Belgrade City Assembly elections filed with the Constitutional Court, and distinguishing parliamentary from local elections.¶
- Calls on competent authorities to fully investigate allegations, including attacks on students, and to follow up on observation mission recommendations on media access, political debate, pressure on voters, discrediting opponents and harsh rhetoric.¶
- Calls on Serbian authorities to provide institutional solutions and for prompt formation of a properly functioning parliament and government, free from constant campaigns and snap elections, to deliver EU-required reforms.¶
- Underlines the importance of freedom of speech and the right to express views and participate in peaceful protests.¶
- Expresses concern about attacks, abusive language and harassment against journalists and civil society organisations.¶
- Stresses its support for political pluralism and an inclusive election environment through inter-party and parliamentary dialogue, and underlines the importance of continuing that dialogue.¶
Who is affected
- Serbian authorities, who are called on to investigate complaints and form a functioning parliament and government.¶¶
- Serbian voters, who faced procedural deficiencies, pressure and intimidation during the elections.¶¶
- Journalists and civil society organisations in Serbia, who face attacks, abusive language and harassment.¶
- Students, who are among those allegedly attacked and whose allegations must be investigated.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 17 December 2023: date of the early parliamentary elections in Serbia.¶
- 58.58 %: voter turnout, higher than in the 2022 elections.¶
- 46.75 %: votes won by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).¶
- 23.66 %: votes won by the largest opposition coalition, 'Serbia against Violence'.
- 1 November 2023: date the President of Serbia dissolved Parliament and scheduled early elections.¶
- 10 years: period in which all but one Serbian parliament were dissolved early.¶