Elections for Medical Chambers: Queues in Novi Sad, doctors complain about missing from voter lists

Elections for the Serbian Medical Chamber (LKS) and the Vojvodina Regional Medical Chamber (LKV) commenced today in Novi Sad, but the process was immediately marred by reports of significant irregularities. A key issue highlighted by medical professionals is the disenfranchisement of doctors who found themselves excluded from the electoral lists, preventing them from casting their votes.

“

Who ever is not on the electoral list, regardless of how many years they have worked and paid dues to the Serbian Medical Chamber, is not allowed to vote.

Professor Ilija Srdanović from the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad confirmed that at least ten of his colleagues were unable to vote, despite years of practice and contributions to the chamber. This situation raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. The inability to resolve these issues on election day means that many doctors may be denied their fundamental right to participate in the governance of their professional bodies.

Despite these obstacles, unofficial reports suggest a strong voter turnout, with numbers by 10 AM already surpassing the total participation from the previous election cycle. This indicates a high level of engagement and a desire among doctors to influence the direction of their chambers. However, the exclusion of a notable number of physicians from voting casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the results.

“

I don't know if this will affect the result. It depends on the total number of voters – what percentage will be those who were not allowed to vote. For now, the information is that the turnout by 10 AM already exceeded the total turnout in the previous election cycle.

From our vantage point at N1, it is crucial that the election administration and electoral boards operate with the utmost integrity. While organizations like CeSID are tasked with observing the process, their role primarily focuses on the administration's work rather than immediate intervention in individual voting disputes. The concerns raised by doctors about being unable to vote are valid and warrant thorough investigation and analysis post-election to ensure improvements in future electoral processes.

“

The allegations by doctors that some of their colleagues were prevented from voting are evidence of shortcomings in the electoral process, but this can only be analyzed after the election day is over.