UN urges Serbia to co-operate with O The SEU for the election outcome: Investigating claims of irregularities

The US State Department (DASH) called on authorities in Serbia to co-operate with the OSCE mission in investigating claims of election irregularities, the Voice of America broadcasts.

As the State Department stressed, violence against journalists, observers and election officials is “unacceptable”, as well as that the legitimacy of democratic processes depends on transparency and the will of all participants to accept the election outcome.

“We are focused, on co-operation with Serbia, on strengthening the democratic government and rule of law, improving regional co-operation, continuing economic growth, and accelerating Serbia's progress on the path towards membership in the European Union. Serbia's future lies in the West”, the UN's response to the Voice of America's questions concerning the new protests in Belgrade says.

Reports state that disturbing O Office findings The SEU for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that elections were marred by numerous procedural errors, pressure on public officials and abuse of public resources, and that these factors, along with systematic advantages of the ruling parties, created unfair conditions.

The United States urges Serbia to work closely with O The SEU to address these concerns”, they wrote, adding that allegations of irregularities reported by the ODIHR and other election observer teams should be investigated.

The opposition has protested since the December 17th elections, accusing the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of election theft, including registration of mobile voters from Serbia and abroad.

The Republican Election Commission (RKZ) announced on December 24th that it has checked election lists and added that coalition claims “Serbia against violence” that the number of voters rightly voted in Belgrade's elections has increased artificially to influence the election outcome “are not true”.

The same day, Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, said the vote took place in a democratic atmosphere and that it was the most peaceful “elections ever in modern history”.

The ODIHR announced on December 18th that the elections were marked by serious irregularities, misuse of public funds, media dominance of President Vuciq, negative campaign and widespread fear.

Part of the eurodeputs demanded an independent investigation into all irregularities reported during elections held in Serbia on 17 December.

Serbian citizens voted December 17th in parliamentary, provincial and local elections in 65 cities and municipalities, including Belgrade. The SNS declared victory at all levels. / REL