Serbian Roma Party Launches Campaign Against Vote-Buying

The Roma Party in Serbia has initiated a significant campaign titled "Don't Sell Your Vote," aiming to tackle electoral corruption and empower citizens, especially those from vulnerable communities. The initiative seeks to counter the pervasive practice of vote-buying, which the party argues undermines democratic processes and disproportionately affects marginalized groups.

Srđan Šajn, the President of the Roma Party, stated that leading up to parliamentary elections, the party will utilize social media and other platforms to emphasize the necessity for socially vulnerable populations, including a large number of Roma, to cease selling their votes. The campaign also intends to encourage resistance against all forms of pressure, blackmail, and threats associated with electoral manipulation.

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We are aware that pressure on poor citizens to vote against their will is great. However, today more than ever in the last ten years, the entire society understands that we live in a time of serious pressures, abuse of institutions, and deep corruption. Society is finally ready for resistance. If we want our children to live in a free and just society, we must also bear part of the burden and responsibility as parents and citizens, fighting for that freedom.

"We are aware that pressure on poor citizens to vote against their will is great," the party's statement reads. "However, today more than ever in the last ten years, the entire society understands that we live in a time of serious pressures, abuse of institutions, and deep corruption. Society is finally ready for resistance. If we want our children to live in a free and just society, we must also bear part of the burden and responsibility as parents and citizens, fighting for that freedom."

The campaign will disseminate messages illustrating the consequences of selling votes and will educate the public on the mechanisms of vote-buying, including how money and packages intended for electoral corruption are distributed. The Roma Party points to a stark example: the number of scholarships for Roma students has decreased by over 60% in the last decade. "Money that could have been invested in education, youth development, and creating equal opportunities for all, has too often ended up in the system of political privileges and party interests," the statement explains. "Therefore, our message is simple and clear: do not sell your vote, because by selling your vote, you are not only selling your choice, but also the future of your children."

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Money that could have been invested in education, youth development, and creating equal opportunities for all, has too often ended up in the system of political privileges and party interests. Therefore, our message is simple and clear: do not sell your vote, because by selling your vote, you are not only selling your choice, but also the future of your children.