Election Day in the Shadow of Violence
Election Day in the Shadow of Violence

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Civil Society, Governance, Communication studies, Electoral systems
Published by: Građanske inicijative
Keywords: election violence; electoral irregularities; attacks on observers; journalist safety; vote buying; political intimidation; police repression
Summary/Abstract: Yesterday, local elections were held in 10 locations in Serbia. However, what we witnessed is far from regular electoral conditions. We can describe yesterday’s elections as bloody. Blood on the faces of students, observers, journalists. Organized groups of men with batons, and even axes chasing citizens in the street. A pistol in the hands of an unknown man. Police that do not react. Police that secure facilities in which there is suspicion that electoral irregularities are being carried out – that parallel electoral rolls are being kept, that votes are being bought. There were incidents in almost every place where elections were held. One bright side is the persistence of citizens, students, observers, and controllers who defended the electoral will of the citizens on the ground and who pointed out all irregularities despite the thugs. We bring you an overview of the irregularities recorded during yesterday – a day when citizens showed that despite all the intimidation, blackmail, and pressure, the desire for change cannot be suppressed.

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