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Serbia ties overseas voting hours to local time ahead of October election
Serbia's Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) has approved a decision to tie overseas voting hours to local time in Serbia for the upcoming parliamentary election on October 25. This means polling stations abroad will operate between 7:00 and 20:00 Central European Time, potentially forcing voters in regions such as the United States, Australia, and Indonesia to cast ballots during late-night or early-morning hours.
Critics and RIK member Ivan Šebek have warned that this move could effectively obstruct the Serbian diaspora from exercising their constitutional right to vote. Diaspora organizations have expressed concerns regarding accessibility, noting that the 93 approved polling stations may be geographically insufficient, leaving voters in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto with to travel thousands of kilometers to reach a station.
In response to these concerns, diaspora groups have appealed to international bodies, including the EU, OSCE, and US institutions, for intervention. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed the hours, officials have denied that the intent is to sabotage the electoral process. The election follows the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic, who seeks to return to power as prime minister.
Entities
Aleksandar Vučić · Ivan Šebek · Marko Đurić · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia · Republic Election Commission · Republic Electoral Commission · Serbia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A record of approximately 75,000 citizens applied to vote from abroad as of October 1. www.danas.rs · naslovi.net
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed the specific opening and closing times for overseas polling stations. www.magyarszo.rs · www.danas.rs · naslovi.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The acting head of diplomacy denied that the new voting hours are an attempt to obstruct the diaspora. www.danas.rs · naslovi.net
- [● 7 SOURCES] The decision will force voters in locations like the US, Australia, and Indonesia to vote during late-night hours. www.magyarszo.rs · www.danas.rs · naslovi.net · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.newsday.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Polling stations abroad will operate between 7:00 and 20:00 Central European Time. www.magyarszo.rs · www.newsday.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Diaspora organizations have appealed to the EU, OSCE, and US institutions regarding voting accessibility. szmsz.press
- [● 7 SOURCES] The RIK approved 93 polling stations for overseas voting. szmsz.press · www.danas.rs · naslovi.net · www.magyarszo.rs · www.winnipegfreepress.com · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The parliamentary election is scheduled for October 25. szmsz.press · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.danas.rs · naslovi.net · www.newsday.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 75,000 Serbian citizens applied to vote from abroad as of October 1. www.danas.rs · naslovi.net