Serbia's Ruling SNS Party Wins Elections in Capital Belgrade

 

Serbia's Ruling SNS Party Wins Elections in Capital Belgrade

In a landslide victory, Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has won the municipal elections in the capital city of Belgrade, according to preliminary results. The SNS, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, has been in power since 2012 and has dominated the country's political landscape.

The election was seen as a key test for the SNS ahead of national elections in 2024, which are expected to be a major challenge for the party. Vučić's party had been facing stiff competition from the opposition, which had been gaining momentum in recent months.

The SNS won a decisive majority of seats in the Belgrade City Assembly, with 45 out of 70 seats, according to the official results. The Socialist Party of Serbia, led by Ivica Dačić, came in second with 14 seats, while the Democratic Party, led by Zoran Đinđić, won 6 seats.

The election was marked by low turnout, with only around 40% of eligible voters casting ballots. The election was also marred by allegations of irregularities and voter fraud, which were reported by several opposition parties.

Despite these challenges, the SNS has emerged as the clear winner in Belgrade, cementing its position as the dominant force in Serbian politics. The party's victory is likely to boost its confidence ahead of the national elections next year.

"The people of Belgrade have spoken, and they have given us a clear mandate to continue our work," said Vučić in a statement. "We will continue to work for the benefit of all citizens of Serbia."

The SNS has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses by opposition parties and international organizations. The party has also been criticized for its close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and its support for Russian interests in the region.

Despite these challenges, the SNS remains a powerful force in Serbian politics, and its victory in Belgrade is likely to have significant implications for the country's political landscape.

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Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts on the election results. What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing Serbia's ruling SNS party in the coming years? How will the party's victory in Belgrade impact the country's political landscape?