Republic Electoral Commission faces criticism over voting booth procurement

The Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) has selected a preferred bidder for the procurement of 30,000 voting booth screens for upcoming elections. The decision has faced intense criticism from commission members who argue the process lacks transparency and legal basis.

Commission member Tanasije Mariković described the decision as “legal violence” and a “bad omen for physical violence” at future elections, noting that the urgent procedure was conducted without public competition. She argued the new screen design fails to improve voting secrecy and may instead encourage the photographing of ballots.

Legal expert and commission member Sofija Mandić raised concerns regarding potential corruption, suggesting the contract—valued at approximately 7 million euros—appeared pre-arranged. She noted that the winning bidder’s previous annual budget was 13 times smaller than the contract value and that the company primarily specializes in air conditioning services.

In response, RIK President Vladimir Dimitrijević maintained that the procurement enhances voting secrecy and that the chosen design is common in Western Europe.