Reports on local elections in Zaječar and Kosjerić highlight serious issues in the electoral process and the functioning of the judiciary. Lawyer Rodoljub Šabić emphasizes that judicial bodies need to protect their shaken authority by addressing numerous irregularities, including voter bribery and the rejection of complaints by election commissions. Testimonies from Zaječar residents confirm instances of vote-buying, while the prosecution has not taken adequate action. The opposition and citizens demand annulment of voting at certain polling stations and legal response to criminal acts related to the elections.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the systemic issues in the Serbian electoral process, highlighting voter bribery and the failure of judicial institutions to act against electoral fraud. They focus on the need for judicial accountability and protection of democratic rights, portraying the judiciary as currently compromised and under political pressure.
Center: Center-leaning coverage tends to present the facts of the electoral irregularities and judicial responses in a balanced manner, acknowledging the problems but also noting the legal procedures underway. They emphasize the importance of rule of law and the judiciary’s role in maintaining electoral integrity, while avoiding overt political bias.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may downplay the extent of electoral fraud or frame the judicial criticism as politically motivated attacks against the ruling authorities. They might emphasize stability and order, suggesting that the judiciary and election commissions are functioning within legal frameworks, and question the opposition’s motives.
