Serbia's Media Regulator Fails to Elect President Amidst Tie Vote

The Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) Council in Serbia has hit a snag in its efforts to elect a new president. During the constitutive session, members were unable to reach a consensus, leading to a tie between two candidates, Miloš Garić and Mileva Malešić, who both secured four votes each.

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We are very close to a solution and will elect the president of the REM Council at the next session, which will be in about ten days.

Dubravka Valić Nedeljković, a member of the REM Council, explained that the session proceeded in a democratic spirit. She noted that all eight members possess serious qualifications and could serve as president. However, discussions focused on which candidates might be better suited for the daily operational needs of REM. The voting process involved two rounds, with the initial vote including three candidates and one candidate, narrowing down to the final two who resulted in the 4-4 tie.

Valić Nedeljković urged the public not to interpret the tie as a sign of complete failure or an inability for the council to agree. She expressed confidence that they are "very close to a solution" and anticipates that a president will be elected at the next session, scheduled in about ten days. She emphasized that council members make decisions independently, without external influence, and will vote according to their conscience.

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Each of us will decide according to our own conscience. Everyone knows everything about every candidate, so everyone will make their own decision.

Responding to criticism from some media associations regarding Miloš Garić's suitability for the role, Valić Nedeljković stated that all considerations would be taken into account. She reiterated that the Assembly appointed the eight council members, and the president must be chosen from among them. She also pointed out that the voting is secret, making it impossible to predict how the other seven members will vote. While REM can handle some technical matters without a president, key decisions require leadership.

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REM can decide on some technical issues without a president, but not make key decisions.