Serbia's election commission to buy 30,000 voting screens via urgent tender

Serbia's Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) has decided to expedite the procurement of 30,000 voting screens for the upcoming elections, initiating a public tender under an urgent procedure. This decision aims to ensure the availability of necessary equipment for polling stations across the country and abroad.

Vladimir Dimitrijević, President of RIK, stated that the new screens would also be deployed at polling stations outside Serbia. He emphasized that this procurement fulfills a recommendation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Dimitrijević addressed public criticism regarding the proposed new screens, explaining that voters will be given a choice.

"Given the various doubts that have arisen regarding the authenticity, correctness, functionality, and guarantee of voting secrecy, both for the existing screens and the new ones, it is practical to have both types of screens at polling stations," Dimitrijević said. "This way, voters can freely choose which screen ensures their secret ballot."

However, RIK member Sofija Mandić expressed reservations, questioning the nature of the compromise. She argued that if the current cardboard screens do not ensure voting secrecy, a different solution should be sought. Conversely, if they are adequate, there would be no need for replacement. The commission's decision reflects an attempt to balance procedural requirements, international recommendations, and public trust in the electoral process.

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Given the various doubts that have arisen regarding the authenticity, correctness, functionality, and guarantee of voting secrecy, both for the existing screens and the new ones, it is practical to have both types of screens at polling stations, so that voters can freely choose which screen ensures their secret ballot.