Allegations of pressure and intimidation have emerged ahead of local elections scheduled for March 29 in Bajina Bašta, Serbia, with opposition representatives claiming that Milan Radoičić has personally threatened supporters of opposition groups.
Uroš Đokić, a representative of the opposition list “United for Bajina Bašta,” told N1 Television that he received information suggesting Radoičić contacted local business owners and provided them with lists of people who support the opposition or participated in protests. According to Đokić, the businessmen were warned that if these individuals voted in the election, they should be dismissed from their jobs.
“In Bajina Bašta there are many threats. I have information that Milan Radoičić directly spoke with some companies and said: this is the list of people who signed support for the opposition. It depends on you to make sure they do not go to vote. If they do vote, they will be fired, or your company will lose business,” Đokić said.
Pressure on Workers and Businesses
Đokić also claimed that several employees at the Bajina Bašta Hydroelectric Power Plant recently received decisions changing their employment contracts and reducing salary coefficients, allegedly targeting workers who supported the opposition or took part in protests.
He further alleged that government officials and individuals linked to criminal circles contacted local entrepreneurs, pressuring them to prevent employees from participating in the elections.
Allegations of Election Incentives
According to the opposition, members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) are also offering various incentives to voters. Đokić claimed these include promises ranging from faster medical procedures to household appliances, tractors, and other benefits.
Planned Protests
Meanwhile, student groups currently organizing blockades across Serbia announced demonstrations on March 14 in several towns where local elections will be held later this month, including Bajina Bašta. The gatherings are planned from 16:00 to 19:00.
Opposition representatives argue that the alleged intimidation campaign is an attempt by authorities to influence or manipulate the election outcome in the municipality.
