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European Parliament observation of Serbian elections

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2026-10-22 14:29 UTC → 2026-10-23 13:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In early October 2026, Serbian Parliament Speaker and acting head of state Ana Brnabić requested that the European Parliament send an observer delegation to monitor the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25. A seven-member delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), led by Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder, is scheduled to visit Serbia from October 22 to October 26. The delegation will participate in the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) mission to assess if the elections comply with national laws and international standards. On October 18, Brnabić filed a formal complaint with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, challenging the impartiality of the mission. She specifically targeted Schieder, alleging he has violated international codes of conduct by expressing political opinions, including previous claims of vote-buying and public calls for the removal of Aleksandar Vučić from power. Brnabić also claimed that more than half of the mission members do not meet international requirements for election observers. Schieder has dismissed these allegations, describing the protest as an “unprecedented attack” on the mission. As the October 25 election approaches, new tensions have emerged regarding diaspora voting. Approximately 100,000 citizens have registered to vote abroad, a significant increase from 39,000 in 2023. However, logistical hurdles have been reported; for instance, voters in Vancouver, Canada, must travel 3,500 kilometers to Toronto. Opposition figures, such as Borko Stefanović, have accused the government of intentionally creating these obstacles to limit expatriate influence. Foreign Minister Marko Đurić defended the polling locations, stating decisions were based on security, personnel, and logistical criteria. On October 23, the European Commission responded to the dispute, stating it is “seriously considering” attempts to discredit the MEPs involved in the observation mission.

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