Miloš Jovanović Opposes Participation in June 2nd Elections, Citing Unchanged Conditions

Miloš Jovanović, the leader of the New Democratic Party of Serbia, has stated that participating in the June 2nd elections would be deeply wrong, as the election conditions remain unchanged and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) government continues to manipulate the state, citizens, and opposition.

Jovanović argues that the election environment is not conducive to a free and fair vote, and he has decided to refrain from participating in the upcoming elections, along with two other parties from the 'Serbia against violence' list. However, six other parties from the same list have decided to participate in the municipal elections in the capital Belgrade and early elections in dozens of other municipalities.

Aleksandar 'Cuta' Jovanović, the leader of the opposition Ecological Uprising, has called on the opposition coalition Serbia Against Violence (SPN) to come together and take part in the elections, as there is no other option. He emphasized that the opposition must make a joint decision on the issue, and he urged Miloš Jovanović to join the SPN decision in favor of participating in the elections.

However, Miloš Jovanović has stated that it is too late to meet the basic conditions for "at least some kind of fair elections on June 2nd." He said that the opposition's demand for all elections to be held at the same time in the fall still stands, and that his party's participation in the June 2nd elections would mean "putting up a fight and active resistance."

Why this matters: The decision by some opposition parties to boycott the June 2nd elections highlights the ongoing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in Serbia. The disagreement within the opposition coalition also underscores the challenges they face in presenting a united front against the ruling SNS government.

The Serbian Parliament speaker, Ana Brnabić, had previously announced that all local elections, including for the Belgrade Assembly and other towns and municipalities, will be held on June 2nd. The final decision on whether the SPN coalition will participate in the elections is expected to be made soon, with some parties, such as the People's Movement of Serbia, the Green-Left Front, and the New Face of Serbia, declaring their intention to participate, while others, including the Freedom and Justice Party, the Democratic Party, and Serbia Center, voting against going to the elections.

Key Takeaways

• Miloš Jovanović's New Democratic Party to boycott June 2 elections in Serbia.
• Opposition coalition 'Serbia Against Violence' split on participating in the elections.
• Aleksandar Jovanović urges opposition to unite and take part in the elections.
• Miloš Jovanović says conditions for fair elections not met, demands postponement.
• Disagreement within opposition highlights challenges in presenting a united front.