2022 Serbian Local Elections

Local elections in Serbia were held on 3 April 2022 in the municipalities of Aranđelovac, Bajina Bašta, Belgrade, Bor, Doljevac, Kladovo, Knjaževac, Kula, Lučani, Majdanpek, Medveđa, Sečanj, Sevojno, and Smederevska Palanka. Alongside the local elections, national-level general elections were held simultaneously on the same day.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won the most amount of votes in every municipality. Non-governmental organizations and opposition parties have claimed that electoral irregularities took place at voting stations. In Kula, a citizens group claimed that that two ballot lists were submitted in an illegal way, and that bribery took place during the collection of signatures. In Sečanj, Vukašin Baćina, leader of a minor citizens group, was arrested on 1 March, with the police claiming that his arrest occurred because of alleged bribery that took place in February 2022. Voting was repeated twice on five voting stations in Belgrade.

Background

Previous local elections in Serbia were held in March and October 2021, in which the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won a majority of seats in most of the municipalities. Electoral irregularities were present at voting stations, and physical attacks towards opposition activists also took place. During the inter-election period between March and October 2021, dialogues between the government and opposition parties regarding the electoral conditions were held over the course of several months. The two groups reached an agreement on 29 October, after which they signed the document regarding the improvement of electoral conditions that includes changes to the minimum required number of collected signatures for minority ballots, and changes to electoral-driven bodies and rules.

During this period, environmental protests also gained more presence, most notably after the roadblocks in November and December. A constitutional referendum also took place in January 2022, in which the "yes" option, which was supported by the government, prevailed over the "no" option, although the turnout was reported to be the lowest since 1990.

Electoral system

Local elections in Serbia are held under a proportional representation system in the area of a municipality or a city as a whole. Shortly prior to the election, parties must submit a ballot list and their ballot leader; after the election, elected members vote to elect a mayor or the president of a municipality. A ballot list must receive at least 3% of the popular vote in order to cross the threshold, and 40% of the ballot candidates must be female. Minority ballots need to collect at least 5,000 signatories in order to qualify on ballot. One mandate of a mayor, president of a municipality or an elected member of a local assembly lasts four years.

Results and campaign

Ivica Dačić, the president of the National Assembly, called the local elections on 15 February, and shortly after Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia, dissolved the National Assembly, after which the official electoral campaign began.

Aranđelovac

On 16 February, SNS submitted their ballot list for the election, and a day later, the Serbian Party Oathkeepers (SSZ) submitted their ballot list. The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS)–United Serbia (JS) coalition submitted their ballot on 18 February. POKS submitted its list on 21 February, while the Dveri–Healthy Serbia (ZS) coalition submitted its ballot later that day. The United Serbia (US) coalition list and Enough is Enough (DJB) list were later confirmed by the City Election Commission. During the campaign, SNS youth representatives launched an initiative to arrange the stairs near the building of the old railway station. SPS representatives signed an agreement with the Greens of Serbia on 25 February, which formalized their coalition in Aranđelovac.

In the municipality of Aranđelovac, there were 36,847 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 64%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 19 seats, while the SPS–JS coalition won seven. The Serbian Party Oathkeepers won 5 seats, while the United Serbia coalition won four, and the Dveri–ZS coalition won three seats. Two seats were won by POKS, while the Enough is Enough party won one.

Bajina Bašta

The SNS-led coalition submitted their ballot list on 17 February, while the SPS–JS coalition submitted its ballot on 23 February. The Social Democratic Party (SDS) submitted its ballot list on 8 March, and on the same day, the People's Party (NS) and Democratic Party (DS) have also submitted their list under the "United for Victory" banner. The Healthy Serbia had also submitted their list on 12 March, and a day later, the National Democratic Alternative (NADA) list was confirmed. The civic group "Loud and Clear", which is led by Vladislav Biljić submitted their ballot on 13 March. A day later, the City Election Commission confirmed the Alliance 90/Greens of Serbia list.

In the municipality of Bajina Bašta, there were 21,733 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 68%. The coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party won 24 seats, while the United Serbia coalition won 9 seats. The SPS–JS coalition won six seats, and it is followed by the Healthy Serbia which won three seats, the Social Democratic Party which won two seats, and Dveri, which won one seat. The People's Party (NS) had claimed that they had stopped electoral fraud from taking place at voting stations.

Belgrade

Bor

The Bor City Election Commission (GIK) proclaimed the ballot list led by SNS on 16 February. A day later, the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP) held a conference in which the party presented a coalition with the Movement of Free Citizens (PSG), Vlach Party, and Regional Development Initiative of East Serbia, and the coalition appointed Ljubiša Stamenković, an independent politician, as their ballot representative. The SPS–JS coalition presented its ballot on 18 February, while the Vlach Party "Bridge" announced that they will contest the local election by themselves. GIK proclaimed the Dveri–POKS ballot list on 19 February, and the coalition led by the People's Party (NS) on 20 February. The Sovereignists coalition, which is led by the Enough is Enough party, submitted its ballot on 25 February. In Bor, JS decided to not participate in a coalition with SPS and its ballot was submitted on 4 March. Two civic groups, the "Loud for the Youth" and "Fighters for Bor" submitted their ballots on 7 March. The Serbian Radical Party (SRS) and Russian Party (RS) have also announced their participation in the election, and SRS has managed to submit its list before the deadline.

During the campaign, the NS–led coalition stated its support for building new hospitals and its opposition to exploitation of natural resources. The Vlach Party "Bridge" representatives have stated that salaries at the Serbia Zijin Bor Copper should be increased instead, while SRS stated its support for exploitation. A poll was conducted in early February, in which the majority of respondents stated that the local government in Bor should be changed. SNS received its support from the Social Democratic Party of Serbia (SDPS) and the Movement of Vlachs of Serbia (PVS). The "Loud for Youth" civic group has campaigned mainly on youth politics.

In the municipality of Bor, there were 40,661 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission stated that the turnout was 61.2%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 15 seats, while the coalition led by the People's Party won 6 seats. The Socialist Party of Serbia and Vlach Party "Bridge" have both won four seats, while the coalition led by the Party of Freedom and Justice won three seats. The Dveri–POKS coalition, Fighters for Bor, and Loud for the Youth have each won one seat.

Doljevac

The City Election Commission in Doljevac had confirmed four ballot lists in total, which are SNS, SPS, JS, and SRS. It was noted that opposition parties would not take part in the local election in Doljevac. In the municipality of Doljevac, there were 13,940 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout is reported to be at 78%. The Serbian Progressive Party won a supermajority of 30 seats, while the Socialist Party of Serbia and United Serbia have each won three seats, while the Serbian Radical Party only won one seat.

Kladovo

The SNS list was confirmed by the City Election Commission on 16 February, while the SPS list was confirmed two days later. On 4 March, the Vlach People's Party ballot list was confirmed. A civic group named "Movement for Kladovo – dr Borislav Petrović" also announced its participation in the election, and its list was confirmed by the City Election Commission on 11 March. A ballot list led by SRS was confirmed before the deadline.

In the municipality of Kladovo, there were 21,668 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission stated that the turnout was 52%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 14 seats and followed by them, the Movement for Kladovo won 9 seats, and the Socialist Party of Serbia won 5 seats.

Knjaževac

In Knjaževac, the local City Election Commission confirmed the SNS ballot list on 16 February, while the SPS list was confirmed on 19 February. The National Democratic Alternative (NADA) ballot list was confirmed on 1 March, while the United Serbia (US) coalition and SRS ballot lists were confirmed a day later. The Dveri–POKS coalition submitted its ballot on 3 March, and it was confirmed by the City Election Commission on the same day. The City Election Commission has also confirmed ballot lists that were submitted by the Serbian People's Party (SNP) and JS.

In the municipality of Knjaževac, there were 23,638 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 63%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 27 seats and followed by them, the Socialist Party of Serbia won 6 seats, the United Serbia coalition won 4 seats, the Dveri–POKS coalition won two seats, and the National Democratic Alternative won one seat.

Kula

SNS submitted its list on 16 February. By 22 February, a local newspaper has confirmed that besides SNS, two more lists were submitted to GIK, which were the SPS and "List of the Serb Community". A coalition list made up of DJB, NS, and Russian Party (RS) was formed, and its ballot list was confirmed by 14 March, including SRS, and a civic group named "Citizens of Kula and Our City". Zlatko Ostojić, the leader of the civic group "Citizens of Kula and Our City", has claimed that two ballot lists were submitted in an illegal way, and that bribery took place during the collection of signatures.

In the municipality of Kula, there were 34,198 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 65%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 21 seats and followed by them, the Critical Mass – for the Victory and Citizens of Kula and Our City each won five seats, List of the Serb Community and Socialist Party of Serbia have each won three seats, and the coalition led by the People's Party won two seats.

Lučani

Milivoje Dolović was chosen as the ballot representative of the SNS-led list, which was proclaimed on 17 February. The SPS–JS coalition's list was confirmed on 21 February. In early March, the City Election Commission confirmed the ballot list led by POKS. A civic group named "One Team" also announced its participation in the election, and its ballot list was confirmed by 14 March, including SRS. In the previous local election, Lučani was noted as the municipality with a high amount of blackmail and pressure towards the voters, although organizations have noted that this did not occur during the electoral campaign period in March 2022.

In the municipality of Lučani, there were 15,414 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission stated that the turnout was 72%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 20 seats and followed by them, One Team won 9 seats, the SPS–JS coalition won four seats, and POKS won two seats.

Majdanpek

The local City Election Commission confirmed the SNS ballot list on 16 February, while the SPS list was confirmed on 22 February. The civic group "It can be different" ballot list was confirmed on 25 February. On 12 March, the ballot list led by Dveri was confirmed by the City Election Commission, and two days later, ballot lists led by SRS, NADA, and a civic group "I don't give up!" were confirmed. Besides them, the Vlach Party and Vlach Party "Bridge" have also announced their participation in the election, although their ballot lists have not been confirmed by the City Election Commission.

In the municipality of Majdanpek, there were 16,251 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. Electoral irregularities were reported to have occurred at voting stations. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 59%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 19 seats and followed by them, the SPS–JS coalition won 5 seats, "I don't give up" won three seats, "It can be different" won two seats, and Dveri and NADA won one seat respectively.

Medveđa

The SNS ballot list was confirmed by GIK on 16 February, being the first one to submit a ballot in Medveđa. In early March, it held a campaign rally in the town. Six more ballot lists were confirmed by 14 March, after an announcement from the City Election Commission in Medveđa.

In the municipality of Medveđa, there were 6,175 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission stated that the turnout was 64%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 13 seats and followed by them, "Medveđa has better" won 5 seats, the Socialist Party of Serbia won three seats, the Democratic Party "For Medveđa" won two seats, the Party for Democratic Action and For the Development of Medveđa have each won one seat.

Sečanj

SNS submitted its list on 17 February, while the SPS ballot list was confirmed on 19 February. An opposition civic group named "For the better Municipality of Sečanj", which is led by Vukašin Baćina, announced its participation in the election on 21 February, and its ballot list was confirmed on 28 February. SRS also announced its participation in the election, and its ballot list was confirmed in early March. Baćina was arrested on 1 March, with the police claiming that his arrest occurred because of alleged bribery that took place in February 2022.

In the municipality of Sečanj, there were 10,481 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission stated that the turnout was 67%. According to the results, the Serbian Progressive Party won 15 seats and followed by them, the SPS–JS coalition won 6 seats, and the For the better Municipality of Sečanj won two seats.

Sevojno

The SNS-led coalition in Sevojno formed a coalition with SPS, and their ballot was confirmed by GIK on 18 February. Healthy Serbia (ZS) submitted its ballot on 20 February. In early March, the SRS ballot list was proclaimed. The United Serbia coalition has also announced its participation in the local election, and its ballot list was confirmed on 8 March. The SSZ ballot list was confirmed on the same day. By 15 March, JS was also confirmed by the City Election Commission. During the electoral campaign, SNS announced that the reconstruction of the ambulance building will begin in April. Avram Ilić, a Healthy Serbia representative, stated that further decentralization is necessary for a better life of the inhabitants in Sevojno.

In the municipality of Sevojno, there were 5,681 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 70%. The Serbian Progressive Party won 10 seats and followed by them, the Healthy Serbia won 4 seats, while the United Serbia coalition won 2 seats and other parties managed to cross the threshold.

Smederevska Palanka

In Smederevska Palanka, GIK confirmed the SNS ballot list on 16 February. It confirmed the SPS–JS list on 18 February, and on the same day, it also proclaimed the list led by NS. On 5 March, the Serbian Radical Party ballot list was confirmed, and a day later the United Serbia coalition ballot list was proclaimed by the City Election Commission. On 11 March, the People's Front and Healthy Serbia ballot lists were confirmed. The Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP) stated in early March that their ballot list was declined by the City Election Commission, with the president of the City Election Commission stating that the commission does not have a quorum. Its ballot list was confirmed later on 6 March. SNS campaigned in Smederevska Palanka in late February and early March.

In the municipality of Smederevska Palanka, there were 39,932 eligible citizens that were able to vote in the local election. The local City Election Commission reported that the turnout was 58%. According to the results, the Serbian Progressive Party won 34 seats and followed by them, the coalition around the Party of Freedom and Justice, SPS–JS coalition, and the People's Party have won 4 seats, the Healthy Serbia won two seats, and the People's Front won one seat.

Aftermath

In Sečanj, Vukašin Baćina and his citizens group declined to join the local government led by Serbian Progressive Party. Vesna Đurić, who previously served as the president of the municipality of Bajina Bašta, was sworn in on 12 May; all 24 members of the Serbian Progressive Party city assembly group voted in favor of. On the same day, Damjan Miljanić was chosen as the president of the municipality of Kula. A day later, Serbian Progressive Party formed a local government in Lučani together with the Socialist Party of Serbia.

In Belgrade, preliminary results were published a day after the elections, although, the election was repeated on five voting stations on 16 and 21 April respectively. Final results were published on 9 May. Opposition parties had managed to win more votes than the governing parties, although the opposition Social Democratic Party remained below the threshold. Opposition parties have also stated that the next elections might be called earlier.

References

{{Serbian elections
2022 elections in Serbia
2022 in Serbia
Local elections in Serbia