The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by former president Aleksandar Vucic, is considering not participating in the upcoming presidential elections in Serbia.
After the defeat in the October 25 parliamentary elections, the party leaders argue that the conditions for a fair competition do not exist, while Vucic described the political process in the country as a “farce”.
The news was confirmed by the former Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, during an interview on Pink television, where he stated that the current political climate does not guarantee fair conditions for participation in the election process.
“Not only is there no political life here, but you are experiencing something where someone comes and ties your hands and feet”, declared Vucic, adding that in such circumstances he sees no reason to participate in “something that is a farce”.
Although he did not completely rule out the possibility of changing this position, Serbian media reports that the idea of boycotting the presidential elections was also discussed at the SNS National Board meeting over the weekend.
Since the victory of the Student List in the parliamentary elections, SNS leaders, including Vucic, as well as the media close to the party, have accused political opponents of practicing what they call “revolutionary terror”.
According to them, the current political conditions do not guarantee a regular electoral process.
Serbia must hold presidential elections no later than December 27, following the resignation of Aleksandar Vucic from the post of president on September 27.
The acting president, Ana Brnabič, is expected to announce the date of the elections by November 27. According to Serbian legislation, voting must take place no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the announcement of the elections.
Until the election of the new president, Brnabič will continue to exercise the function of the head of state in the capacity of interim president, a mandate that can last up to three months.
