Strong concerns over the conduct of Serbia’s October 25 elections were raised in the U.S. Congress, where Republican Congressman Joe Wilson warned of the risk that the vote may not be free and fair.
During a House of Representatives hearing on U.S. policy and security challenges in the Western Balkans, Wilson said there are indications that a state security apparatus linked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, with assistance from Russia, is attempting to influence the electoral process.
According to Wilson, suspected methods of election manipulation include the use of fake identities, fake accounts, and the consolidation of media outlets under state control.
Wilson also raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. He asked how the U.S. administration could make clear to Vučić’s government that suppressing these freedoms and attempting to manipulate elections would further strain relations between the United States and Serbia.
Daniel Lawton, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, responded by thanking Wilson for the question and confirming that the administration is closely monitoring preparations for the elections in Serbia.
“We are closely following preparations for the elections in Serbia,” Lawton said.
Wilson also broadened his criticism to Serbia’s foreign-policy orientation. He pointed to Russian ownership in Serbia’s largest oil and gas company, NIS, Chinese-supplied military and surveillance technology, and the dispatch of a Serbian delegation to the funeral ceremony of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
According to Wilson, these actions are inconsistent with a government seeking to become part of the Western political and security community.
The U.S. congressman has previously criticized Vučić’s government. At the end of August, Wilson and Democratic Congressman Bill Keating introduced the so-called “Serbia Act” in Congress, addressing democracy, the rule of law, media freedom, and electoral conditions in Serbia.
Serbia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 25. In his latest statements, Wilson reiterated that there are strong indications that attempts to manipulate the electoral process have already begun.
