Serbia's Tightening Grip: Vucic's Victory Amid Election Irregularities

A man makes his choice while sitting behind a polling screen during the early local and parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic

In the restless heart of Serbia, a momentous showdown is brewing. The nation is poised on the brink of a decisive electoral battle on Sunday, a campaign that has been intrinsically marked by tantalizing reports suggestive of major irregularities.

The principal arena of contention pits incumbent President Aleksandar Vucic's governing Serbian Progressive Party, or the SNS, against a seemingly invigorating centrist coalition, eager to dismantle the hold of the populists who've claimed the nation's reins since 2012.

In the bustling capital of Belgrade, a formidable opponent arises. The Serbia Against Violence opposition coalition is expected to spearhead a stiff resistance, which if proven successful, could considerably shatter Vucic’s staunch rule, political analysts foretell.

The charismatic opposition coalition leader, Dragan Djilas, resonates a similar view following his vote. With unswerving conviction, he declares, “Changes in Serbia have started and there is no force that can stop that. We will stand guardian to the people’s will by all democratic means.”

An election official works at a polling station during the early local and parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his firm grip on power in the Balkan state in an election on Sunday that has been marred by reports of major irregularities during a tense campaign. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

A man makes his choice while sitting behind a polling screen during the early local and parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his firm grip on power in the Balkan state in an election on Sunday that has been marred by reports of major irregularities during a tense campaign. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

Members of the electoral commission prepare a polling station for a parliamentary and local election in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. The vote in Serbia pits Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's governing Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, against a pro-Western opposition coalition which is trying to undermine the firm grip on power the populists have maintained since 2012. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A woman casts her ballot for a parliamentary and local election at a polling station in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. The vote in Serbia pits Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's governing Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, against a pro-Western opposition coalition which is trying to undermine the firm grip on power the populists have maintained since 2012. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man gestures after voting during a parliamentary and local election at a polling station in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. The vote in Serbia pits Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's governing Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, against a pro-Western opposition coalition which is trying to undermine the firm grip on power the populists have maintained since 2012. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Members of the electoral commission prepare ballot box at a polling station for a parliamentary and local election in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. The vote in Serbia pits Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's governing Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, against a pro-Western opposition coalition which is trying to undermine the firm grip on power the populists have maintained since 2012. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Pro-Russia parties and Vucic-allied Socialists vie for control of parliament and local councils.

Dragan Djilas, center, the main opposition coalition leader, talks to members of the media after casting his ballots for the early local and parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his firm grip on power in the Balkan state in an election on Sunday that has been marred by reports of major irregularities during a tense campaign. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

Dragan Djilas, center, the main opposition coalition leader, arrives at a polling station for the early local and parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his firm grip on power in the Balkan state in an election on Sunday that has been marred by reports of major irregularities during a tense campaign. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

Dragan Djilas, front, the main opposition coalition leader, gets ready to cast his vote at the early parliamentary elections in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic is looking to further tighten his firm grip on power in the Balkan state in an election on Sunday that has been marred by reports of major irregularities during a tense campaign. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

In direct contrast, a confident Vucic envisions a 'convincing victory' and forecasts his ruling party to be on the cusp of an absolute parliamentary majority. He underscores the importance of the election, who views it as a stepping stone for Serbia's unwavering commitment to prosperity and success.

As is often the case with power-drenched tales, this narrative too doesn't come without its fair share of controversy. Both election monitors and autonomous media have reported instances of irregular voting practices, including nefarious instances of attacks on monitoring teams and unlawful voting stations.

Interestingly, the political landscape also features a good number of right-wing outfits which include not just pro-Russia parties but also Socialists firmly elbow-in-elbow with Vucic's governing party.

A conspicuous peculiarity is observed concerning the Serbian president. Although not formally penned on the ballot, his predominant presence has been felt through rigorous campaigning for the SNS and ubiquitous billboards, haloing his image.

And while Serbia holds a sustained courtship with Russia and its President, Vladimir Putin, this Balkan nation has been a potential EU member since 2014. However, allegations of a gradual corrosion of democratic freedom have cast a cynical shadow over the country's prospects.

Despite rife accusations of campaign abuse, vote-rigging, and Constitutional violations, both Vucic and the SNS have steadfastly nullified any allegations, and a dearth of procedural rectifications has been observed based on the claims made by observers.

With the incessant ringing of discontent echoing from inflation and corruption scandals, Serbia stands on the precipice of pivotal evolution. Is the nation ready for a forward leap into a world marked by rejuvenating youth and education, or will it cling onto familiar shores? As the heated election day draws near, only time will bear the answer.

Contributor: Jovana Gec