European election observers expressed concern about reported violence and pressure ahead of Serbia's 25 October early parliamentary election. A Council of Europe delegation described the campaign as highly polarised and warned that hostile rhetoric and credible surveillance allegations could undermine a level playing field. [1] [2]
An OSCE interim assessment cited by the Associated Press said priority recommendations from Serbia's 2023 election remained unaddressed, including safeguards against intimidation, journalist safety, voter-roll accuracy and the independence of the media regulator. [1]
ContextSerbian authorities had not issued an official response to the observers' statements when the Associated Press report was published. Pro-government media have emphasised public and livestreamed election-commission hearings, which they present as evidence of transparency. [1]