Local elections in Zaječar and Kosjerić were held on June 8, 2025, under unprecedented and difficult conditions, with high voter turnout and significant pressures during the campaign. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) achieved significant victories, winning an absolute majority in Zaječar and a narrow but clean victory in Kosjerić. Reports from observer missions highlighted numerous irregularities, including voter pressure, misuse of public resources, and verbal and physical violence against opposition activists. SNS leader Miloš Vučević stated that the elections were held in ‘unprecedented conditions’ and announced that lessons would be learned within the party. Media outlets of different political leanings reported on the elections with varying emphases, from highlighting SNS’s victory and government stability to criticizing the electoral atmosphere and voter pressures.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning media and observers emphasize the irregularities and pressures during the elections in Zaječar and Kosjerić, highlighting issues such as voter intimidation, misuse of public resources by the ruling party, and the suppression of opposition voices. They focus on the challenges to democratic processes and call for accountability and reforms to ensure free and fair elections in the future.
Center: Centrist sources provide a balanced view, acknowledging the significant victories of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) while also reporting on the reported irregularities and pressures during the elections. They highlight the high voter turnout and the political significance of the results, while noting the concerns raised by observer missions and opposition parties about the electoral environment.
Right: Right-leaning media focus on the electoral victories of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) as a demonstration of popular support and political stability. They tend to downplay or question the reports of irregularities and emphasize the legitimacy of the election results. The narrative often stresses the importance of maintaining order and continuity in governance, portraying the elections as a success for the ruling party despite the challenging conditions.
