HIGHER TURNOUT IN BELGRADE, ORGANIZED TRANSFER OF VOTERS

CRTA’s election observation mission expresses the highest concern regarding the large number of cases of organized transfer of voters from other communities and countries to vote in Belgrade, which were, among other incidents, recorded during the first half of the election day. 

Concentration of busses, pick-up vans and cars was observed on several spots in Belgrade, transferring voters to polling stations across the city to vote. According to received reports from the CRTA’s observers, Novi Beograd represents the “place of gathering” for voters from Bosnia and Herzegovina (mainly from Republika Srpska), while many pick-up vans, bringing voters from Kosovo and Metohija, were observed at the territory of Palilula municipality. 

Number of submissions regarding electoral corruption enlarges – the CRTA election observation mission reported the case observed in Mali Idjos and Vrsac, where organized group of voters was brought to the polling station and given the money after leaving the poll. This is the fifth CRTA’s complaint submitted in response to criminal acts in elections which were observed during the day.

Unauthorised presence of third persons at the polling station was recorded on 2 percent of polls in Serbia and 3 percent of polling stations in Belgrade. Cases of evidenting voters in parallel lists of voters were observed at 6 percent of polling stations in Belgrade and 4 percent of polls in Serbia, while cases of breaches of secrecy of voting were identified at 3 percent of polls in Belgrade and 4 percent of polling stations in Serbia. 

A total of 42,1 percent of voters registered in the Voters’ List voted in parliamentary elections by 16:00 in Serbia (margin of error 0.8 percent), and 41,4 percent in Belgrade (margin of error 0.4 percent). In comparison, voter turnout by 16:00 in the 2022 parliamentary elections was 42,4 percent in Serbia and 38 percent in Belgrade. 

As the day continues, crowds on polling stations intensify. While this could be attributed to the integrity of polling board members, as they are obliged to ensure the equal number of voters and voting screens at the polling station, on several polls the insufficient number of voting screens was observed, only two. Disabling CRTA’s observers to monitor the voting process continues – after 17 cases of restricting observers to monitor the preparation of polling stations for opening and the process of opening of polls this morning, on two polling stations in Zabalj observers were restricted from monitoring, while one observer was threatened and intimidated by the unidentified person who was not a member of the polling board.

The next media conference of the CRTA election observation mission is scheduled for 20:15. You may follow the conference live at the CRTA’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.