Dangerous Interference by Serbia in Local Elections in Montenegro: Aleksandar Vučić Undermines Regional Stability
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the actions of the Serbian regime, both leading up to and on the day of the local elections in Podgorica and Kotor. Activists from the ruling SNS party were observed in jeeps, along with buses carrying dual-registered voters from Serbia. This reflects a migration of false voters with dual voting rights from Serbia. In addition to these illegal voters, activists from Vučić’s SNS pressured voters in Podgorica and Kotor before and during election day. This act constitutes direct interference in Montenegro’s electoral process and is a continuation of Vučić’s aggressive policy toward neighboring countries.
Aleksandar Vučić’s authoritarian regime, notorious for its abuses in election processes and voter migrations from Bosnia and Herzegovina into Serbia, now employs the same methods to undermine fair electoral conditions in Montenegro. Just as Milorad Dodik and voters from Republika Srpska cast irregular votes in Serbian elections, now SNS members are illegally voting in Montenegro. This dangerous precedent demonstrates Vučić’s intent to expand his political influence in the region, using the same irregularities and criminal methods that have become commonplace in Serbian elections.
According to state authorities, 14,000 more Serbian citizens entered Montenegro on election day compared to the same day last year. This interference not only violates Montenegro’s sovereignty but also poses a serious risk to good neighborly relations and regional stability. At a time when the region is attempting to move past a legacy of conflict and maintain peace, such actions deepen tensions and create a dangerous foundation for future conflicts. These electoral irregularities, orchestrated by Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, seriously threaten to undermine civil peace in Montenegro.
Aleksandar Vučić, a former propaganda minister under Slobodan Milošević’s regime, continues policies that jeopardize democratic processes, both in Serbia and neighboring states. ADD strongly condemns these practices, which not only distort the meaning of democratic elections but also represent aggression toward neighboring countries and destabilize the region.
We call on the international community and democratic governments in the EU to closely monitor the fragile situation in Montenegro and respond to these serious violations of peace, security, and democratic principles.
September 29, 2024
