Inadequate preparedness of bodies authorized to conduct the voting process

CRTA’s observation mission assesses the poor quality in the conduct of the voting process in the first part of the day, reflecting in inadequate preparation of polling stations (8%) and breaches of voting procedures outside of polling stations (6%). On significant number of polling stations – almost 30%, all members of polling boards were not present at the polls opening, representing the inadequate preparedness of bodies authorized to conduct the voting process.

In relation to the compliance with measures to prevent spreading of the coronavirus, in the first part of the day, polling boards at 68% of polling stations complied with measures to prevent spreading of the coronavirus. At 28% of polling stations these measures were implemented partially, while at 3% of polling stations preventive measures were completely absent.

The presence of unauthorized persons was recorded at around 3% of polling stations during the day.

Two cases of pressure on CRTA’s observers were recorded, preventing observers to monitor the voting process at polling stations. Unidentified persons, with unauthorized presence at polling stations, insulted and intimidated the observers. CRTA decided to withdraw one observer from the polling station.

We remind the public that all CRTA’s observers had accreditations issued by the Republic Electoral Commission and legally guaranteed right to monitor voting process in the referendum at polling stations, as part of the CRTA’s observation mission and in public interest. Violent attempts to prevent observers to professionally perform their operations cast the shadow on the referendum process and indicates undemocratic atmosphere in a society.

A total of 6.510.323 voters have the right to vote, at 8.150 polling stations in Serbia, not including polls abroad and in prisons and correctional facilities.