Last week, draft versions of three electoral laws were sent to members of the Serbian National Assembly. These proposals aim, in theory, to improve the electoral process by establishing a commission for voter list revision.
However, Dušan Dinčić, representative of the Democratic Party in the Republican Electoral Commission (RIK), expressed strong concerns, stating that the drafts do not bring any meaningful improvements and may, in fact, worsen the electoral process at both local and national levels.
Dinčić criticized the proposed voter list revision commission, noting that it lacks the authority to conduct real oversight.
“Its listed responsibilities are mostly analytical or observational, with a single provision allowing it to initiate field inspections — but these must be conducted jointly with the Ministry of Interior, meaning that in practice, it will accomplish nothing,” Dinčić told N1 Beograd’s Dan Uživo program.
He emphasized that voter list revision in Serbia is a major undertaking, involving both administrative irregularities and electoral abuses that are skillfully concealed. According to Dinčić, the commission will be unable to act effectively, as its decision-making will likely be blocked.
A particularly controversial proposal allows a voter to support multiple electoral lists with a single signature, which Dinčić warned could facilitate the submission of “phantom lists”.
“This measure is not an improvement. It enables multiple lists to be signed quickly by a single group of people, who can then secure control over polling station commissions and election committees. Essentially, it allows the electoral process to be privatized in favor of one party,” he said.
Dinčić also criticized the proposal requiring all members of electoral commissions and polling boards to obtain RIK certification. While inspired by ODIHR recommendations, he argued it could limit participation and increase opportunities for abuse, particularly in smaller towns where local pressures are already a concern.
Finally, Dinčić noted that the laws are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2028, which he interprets as an attempt by the ruling authorities to delay upcoming elections.
“It is clear the government fears losing and is attempting to postpone elections while preparing every possible method to manipulate the process to remain in power as long as possible,” he concluded.
