Local elections in Negotin and Mionica are set for November 30, and the tension is higher than ever. After citizens of Zaječar and Kosjerić have already voted, these two municipalities must hold elections by the end of November. But are these elections really a chance for change or just another show by a regime that has held power in Serbia for over a decade?
The last elections in Negotin showed the ruling SNS-SPS coalition holds an absolute majority with 38 out of 45 mandates. Voter turnout was a meager 39%, while in Mionica turnout was better, around 70%. The opposition, led by the People’s Movement of Serbia and the Democratic Party, is trying to unite and run on a joint list, but students and activists from the “Students in Blockade” movement have yet to clearly state their position on these local elections.
Miroslav Aleksić, president of the People’s Movement of Serbia, publicly called on all political actors and citizens to unite in the fight against a regime that, he claims, has usurped power in Serbia for more than ten years. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is focused on snap parliamentary elections, while the People’s Party is already negotiating with potential partners for the local elections in Mionica.
Sociologist Vuletić warns that if elections were held every time something happened, Serbia would be voting every week, highlighting deep political instability and citizen dissatisfaction. Milivojević from the Democratic Party claims these local elections are just a distraction by the regime, which uses brutal fraud, violence, and resource abuse to maintain control.
The election atmosphere in these municipalities is described as the worst since the 1990s, with attacks on election headquarters, campaign obstacles, and pressure on citizens. Miloš Vučević, after the elections in Kosjerić, stated that such an atmosphere has never been seen before in Serbia and that the conditions for holding elections are unacceptable.
Regular local elections in other municipalities are planned for the first half of next year, but everything depends on the political situation and possible snap elections. Overall, Serbia is caught in a political crisis whirlpool, where local elections become an arena for the battle between the regime and the opposition, while citizens remain trapped between promises and reality.
If you think this is just another boring political story, think again. These elections are much more than voting – they are a test of democracy, the strength of civic activism, and Serbia’s future. So, what about you? Will you stay on the sidelines or jump into this political soap opera? Drop a comment, crack a joke, or just share your thoughts – because this is where the real power game is played!
