The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, announced the holding of extraordinary parliamentary elections on December 17, as he had announced earlier, the BGNES correspondent reported.
"According to the reasoned proposal of the government of October 30, I issue a decree to dissolve the People's Assembly, I dissolve the People's Assembly elected on April 3, 2022. This decree enters into force on the day of its publication in the State Gazette... I issue a decision to schedule elections for people's representatives on December 17, 2023. The deadlines for carrying out electoral actions start from the day this decision enters into force. The elections for deputies will be conducted by the bodies implementing the elections. This decision enters into force on the day of publication in the State Gazette", said Vucic at a press conference in the Presidency of Serbia.
He wished the citizens of Serbia happy elections, saying that we are living in difficult times for the whole world, in a time of global conflicts, in a time when Serbia will be subjected to many tensions both because of Kosovo and because of other regional issues. He added that it is very important for Serbia to preserve peace and stability, but also internal cohesion and show all its democracy.
"This campaign is an opportunity to present to the citizens in a civilized way different ideas, different programs and policies which must compete but which will never threaten our vital national interests. I wish all participants good results in presenting their ideas and political goals, I wish them to do all this in a democratic and civilized way, and it is important for the citizens of Serbia that the best wins. I am convinced that with these elections we are strengthening democracy in our Serbia and at the same time ensuring a safe path to the future for our country and our children. Long live Serbia! May you have happy elections," the president said.
On October 30, the Government of Serbia sent a reasoned proposal to the President of the Republic to dissolve the National Assembly and schedule elections for deputies.
As the government states, holding new parliamentary elections under the existing circumstances will ensure a higher degree of democracy, reduce the tension created between opposing options in society, reject exclusivity and hate speech, and affirm the right to free expression of opinions and views on certain political, economic and other issues, including the further affirmation of European values.
Urgent convening of extraordinary parliamentary elections and elections in Belgrade and their holding by the end of the year is the request of the representatives of the opposition parties, which organize the "Serbia against violence" protests.
The early elections, they said, were requested so that the opposition "as a first step after the change of the progressive regime" could fulfill the demands of the citizens.
The Speaker of the Assembly of Serbia, Vladimir Orlić, announced for December 17 elections for municipal councilors in 65 cities and municipalities in Serbia.
On October 30, the Government of Serbia made decisions to dissolve the Assembly of Belgrade and create a temporary body, and the same decisions were made for 64 other local governments in Serbia./BGNES
