Republic Electoral Commission approves procurement of 30,000 voting screens

The Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) of Serbia has approved a decision to initiate an urgent public procurement process for 30,000 voting screens to be used in upcoming elections. The procurement will be conducted through a negotiated procedure without a public call, with an estimated value of approximately six million euros.

To address concerns regarding the secrecy and functionality of voting, the RIK has updated its instructions to allow two types of voting barriers at polling stations: traditional cardboard screens and new aluminum-framed booths. These new booths will feature dark grey and black panels and include an opaque light grey curtain to ensure voters are shielded from the view of election officials and observers.

RIK President Vladimir Dimitrijević stated that providing both options allows voters to choose the method they feel most comfortable with to guarantee their privacy. He noted that this move also aligns with recommendations from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The decision was passed with 11 members voting in favor, five against, and one abstaining.