Local Elections in Zaječar and Kosjerić Mark Tension and Controversy
The elections saw claims of victory from both opposition and ruling parties amid accusations of electoral fraud.
Local elections held on June 8, 2025, in Zaječar and Kosjerić have led to claims of victory from both the opposition and the ruling party, creating a tense atmosphere in both cities.
Shortly after polls closed, the opposition in Kosjerić announced victory, which was later echoed in Zaječar.
However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared that the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) ultimately secured the win.
Election monitoring organization Crta reported that the SNS's margin of victory in Kosjerić was just 51 votes.
They noted that while the SNS claimed victory in Zaječar, the results did not accurately reflect the voter sentiment.
Significant irregularities were reported during the election process, with instances of incomplete electoral boards and violations of prescribed procedures.
Raša Nedeljkov, the program director of Crta, stated that Zaječar saw a higher intensity of irregularities compared to Kosjerić.
The elections were the first since the initiation of student protests in Serbia, with demonstrators advocating for accountability following a tragedy in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 fatalities on November 1, 2024. These elections are perceived as a critical test for the ruling SNS.
Polling stations opened at 7 AM and closed at 8 PM. The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) faced a historic setback in Zaječar, failing to secure enough votes to gain representation in the local parliament for the first time since 1990. Following the poor electoral results, SPS Vice President Novica Tončev announced his intention to hold the party's leadership accountable.
In Kosjerić, the coalition “United for Kosjerić” rejected the preliminary election results, citing multiple irregularities, including alleged vote-buying and duplicate electoral rolls.
They are demanding an examination of materials from ten polling stations and are set to initiate a recount of invalid votes.
Miloš Vučević, president of the SNS, indicated his expectation for a response from election observers and authorities regarding the events during the election period, calling for a return to constructive dialogue.
He noted that the SNS will document electoral irregularities to report to the international community.
The opposition party SRCE contended that the results of the elections affirm citizens’ desire for change, claiming that despite significant financial investments, the SNS received fewer votes than in previous elections.
President Vučić also called for dialogue with those who oppose him, expressing the need for a focus on civil issues rather than political conflict.
Meanwhile, Snežana Paunović, the Minister for State Administration, urged the prosecution to thoroughly investigate reported electoral offenses, while opposition leaders asserted that they would defend their electoral victory on the streets.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere remained charged, with instances of conflict reported between citizens and law enforcement in Kosjerić, alongside gatherings of opposition supporters demanding a revocation of the reported results in Zaječar.
The State Election Commission in Zaječar is expected to announce preliminary results later today.
Shortly after polls closed, the opposition in Kosjerić announced victory, which was later echoed in Zaječar.
However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared that the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) ultimately secured the win.
Election monitoring organization Crta reported that the SNS's margin of victory in Kosjerić was just 51 votes.
They noted that while the SNS claimed victory in Zaječar, the results did not accurately reflect the voter sentiment.
Significant irregularities were reported during the election process, with instances of incomplete electoral boards and violations of prescribed procedures.
Raša Nedeljkov, the program director of Crta, stated that Zaječar saw a higher intensity of irregularities compared to Kosjerić.
The elections were the first since the initiation of student protests in Serbia, with demonstrators advocating for accountability following a tragedy in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 fatalities on November 1, 2024. These elections are perceived as a critical test for the ruling SNS.
Polling stations opened at 7 AM and closed at 8 PM. The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) faced a historic setback in Zaječar, failing to secure enough votes to gain representation in the local parliament for the first time since 1990. Following the poor electoral results, SPS Vice President Novica Tončev announced his intention to hold the party's leadership accountable.
In Kosjerić, the coalition “United for Kosjerić” rejected the preliminary election results, citing multiple irregularities, including alleged vote-buying and duplicate electoral rolls.
They are demanding an examination of materials from ten polling stations and are set to initiate a recount of invalid votes.
Miloš Vučević, president of the SNS, indicated his expectation for a response from election observers and authorities regarding the events during the election period, calling for a return to constructive dialogue.
He noted that the SNS will document electoral irregularities to report to the international community.
The opposition party SRCE contended that the results of the elections affirm citizens’ desire for change, claiming that despite significant financial investments, the SNS received fewer votes than in previous elections.
President Vučić also called for dialogue with those who oppose him, expressing the need for a focus on civil issues rather than political conflict.
Meanwhile, Snežana Paunović, the Minister for State Administration, urged the prosecution to thoroughly investigate reported electoral offenses, while opposition leaders asserted that they would defend their electoral victory on the streets.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere remained charged, with instances of conflict reported between citizens and law enforcement in Kosjerić, alongside gatherings of opposition supporters demanding a revocation of the reported results in Zaječar.
The State Election Commission in Zaječar is expected to announce preliminary results later today.
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