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[POLITICS] · Serbia, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand · 12 sources

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Part of situation: European Parliament observation of Serbian elections (4 clusters)

Serbia parliamentary elections face diaspora voting hurdles and EU observer disputes

Serbian parliamentary elections Aleksandar Vučić European Parliament observers diaspora voting Student List

As Serbia prepares for parliamentary elections on October 25, significant tensions have emerged regarding the voting process for the diaspora and the role of international observers. Approximately 100,000 citizens have registered to vote abroad, a sharp increase from 39,000 in 2023. However, many voters face major logistical obstacles due to the relocation of polling stations. In Canada, for example, voters in Vancouver must travel 3,500 kilometers to Toronto, often requiring overnight travel to match Serbian time zones.

Opposition figures, including former official Borko Stefanović, have accused the government of intentionally making it difficult for expatriates to vote to prevent them from influencing the election outcome. In response, Foreign Minister Marko Đurić stated that decisions regarding polling locations were based on logistical, security, and personnel criteria.

Simultaneously, Acting President Ana Brnabic has accused the European Parliament of sending “biased” observers to interfere in the election. Brnabic specifically criticized the appointment of lead observer Andreas Schieder, alleging his previous criticisms of the government violate UN principles for international election observation. Schieder has dismissed these accusations, describing them as an “unprecedented attack” on the mission.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Ana Brnabić · Andreas Schieder · European Parliament · Serbia · Serbian Progressive Party

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

EU cử các quan sát viên ‘thiên vị’ can thiệp vào cuộc bầu cử Serbia [giaoducthoidai.vn]
AP: Dijaspora Srbije do birališta putuje hiljadama kilometara, u BiH devet dodatnih mjesta za glasanje [n1info.ba]
Iz Islanda u Sentu na glasanje: Državljanima Srbije na Islandu najbliže biračko mesto u Oslu [n1info.rs]
VoteBnB povezuje dijasporu – besplatan smeštaj i dogovor o prevozu za odlazak na glasanje [www.srpskadijaspora.info]
EU sending ‘biased’ observers to interfere in Serbian election – president [alethonews.com]
What are the key issues in Serbia’s election – and its potential consequences? [www.theguardian.com]
Srbov v zahraničí chcú odradiť od hlasovania, tvrdí opozícia. Voľby komplikujú vzdialené miestnosti [hnonline.sk]
Serbians Abroad Organize to Vote Amid Obstacles [balkaninsight.com]
Serb voters abroad face long trips in tight election after officials move polling stations [www.newsday.com]
In a Vienna Bakery, Fresh Pastries and a Backdoor for Serbian Votes [www.occrp.org]
Serb voters abroad face long trips in tight election after officials move polling stations [www.winnipegfreepress.com]
Serb voters abroad face long trips in tight election after officials move polling stations [wtop.com]