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Professor Mihić: University of Novi Sad violates law by not calling student parliament elections

Professor Mihić: University of Novi Sad violates law by not calling student parliament elections

From N1 Serbia · (39m ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Professor Vladimir Mihić claims the University of Novi Sad is violating the law by not holding elections for its student parliament.
  • Elections have only been held at three out of fourteen faculties, with the remaining eleven allegedly breaking the law.
  • Mihić highlighted irregularities and alleged manipulation in past elections, including the problematic involvement of a doctoral student who had previously faced accusations of violence.

A critical situation is unfolding at the University of Novi Sad, where Professor Vladimir Mihić of the Faculty of Philosophy has publicly accused the university administration of violating the law. According to Mihić, the university is failing to organize elections for the student parliament, a fundamental democratic process. He stated that elections have only taken place at a mere three out of the fourteen faculties, leaving the remaining eleven in a state of legal non-compliance.

Univerzitet u tom gradu krši zakon zbog neraspisivanja izbora za studentski parlament

— Professor Vladimir MihićAccusing the University of Novi Sad of breaking the law by not organizing student parliament elections.

Mihić detailed a history of irregularities surrounding student elections, pointing to the 2022 and 2024 election cycles. He specifically cited the implementation of a new regulation for the 2024 elections that allegedly prevented any candidates except for the Student Union from running. Furthermore, he drew attention to the controversial role of a doctoral student who, despite facing accusations of assaulting female colleagues and unintentionally hospitalizing the student parliament president, was appointed to the Faculty Council. This individual's continued influence in student governance raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process.

From a Serbian perspective, this issue touches upon broader concerns about the rule of law and democratic practices within educational institutions. Professor Mihić's willingness to speak out, as reported by N1, a prominent independent media outlet in Serbia, signals a demand for greater transparency and accountability. The organization "GLAS studenata" (Voice of Students) has also been active, filing complaints and urging the dean and council to uphold the law. The narrative here is one of students and concerned faculty fighting against perceived administrative overreach and manipulation, aiming to restore fair representation and democratic rights within the university. The involvement of former student leaders in current government positions also hints at a potential network of influence that warrants scrutiny, a point often discussed in Serbian political discourse.

preostalih 11 fakulteta krši zakon zbog neraspisivanja.

— Professor Vladimir MihićStating that the majority of faculties are in violation of the law due to the lack of elections.

This situation is particularly concerning because student parliaments are meant to be a voice for the student body, representing their interests and ensuring their rights are protected. When these elections are delayed or manipulated, it undermines the democratic foundation of the university and can lead to a disconnect between the administration and the students they serve. The focus on legal compliance and fair elections is paramount for ensuring a healthy and functional academic environment.

Kao i 2022. i 2024. godine glavnu ulogu je odigrao student doktorskih studija koji je pre nedelju dana imenovan u Savet Filozofskog fakulteta, to je student koji je šamarao svoje koleginice i nenamerno predsednicu Studentskog parlamenta nokautirao i poslao u bolnicu.

— Professor Vladimir MihićDescribing the controversial role of a doctoral student in election manipulation and past misconduct.
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Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.