Vukadinović: Election conditions are worse than before as Vučić and allies wage relentless campaign

Serbia is heading into uncertain elections with political and media conditions that analyst Đorđe Vukadinović says are worse than during the previous parliamentary and Belgrade elections.

Speaking to N1, the researcher from Nova srpska politička misao said he was angry and saddened that the protest movement had failed to secure any serious improvement in election conditions. “We are entering elections under the same, in fact worse, election conditions,” he said.

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We are entering elections under the same, in fact worse, election conditions

Vukadinović said President Aleksandar Vučić now holds stronger political and media cards than he did during the previous parliamentary term. He stressed that this does not necessarily mean Vučić will achieve a better result, but said the president had gathered available logistical, financial and external support. He also said Vučić had fulfilled some promises, including legalizing buildings, and reduced external criticism as much as possible.

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he has gathered whatever he could: logistics, external support, money, legalization of buildings, all sorts of things he promised and partly carried out

Serbia’s authorities have mentioned Oct. 25 as a possible election date. The Serbian Progressive Party’s main board decided that Vučić would lead the United Serbia list in the coming parliamentary elections and serve as its candidate for prime minister if the list wins.

Vukadinović described it as a tactical success that repeated denials and announcements had confused opponents, analysts and the public. He said Vučić had been choosing the timing that suited him, while the SNS wanted a date when its measures could begin producing results. He cited possible payments to citizens, favorable weather, the period before autumn and winter difficulties, and a reduction in Western pressure.

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classic one-liners

He also criticized parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić’s denial that the SNS abuses public office, saying her explanations were “classic one-liners.” Vukadinović said Vučić was constantly campaigning and called the current effort a “relentless pre-election campaign” unlike those seen in previous aggressive campaigns.

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relentless pre-election campaign