Update
Election day observation report – local elections 2026
Introductory note CRTA deployed 10 limited-capacity observation missions, applying a methodology gro...
When we say “the state,” we refer to the ruling party, which used state and public resources, institutions, services and public offices, both national and local, without restrictions and often outside the legal framework, in order to preserve power in the three municipalities.
Intensified infrastructure works, improvements to health services, donations of equipment to sports associations and the distribution of packages with basic food items were the most visible activities directed toward local communities during the pre-election period.
These measures were accompanied by numerous promotional video messages in which credit for infrastructure, development and social interventions was attributed to the President of Serbia and local officials. The name of the President of Serbia was prominently featured on all three local lists of the Serbian Progressive Party and its coalition partners: Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Mionica!, Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Negotin! and Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Sečanj!. In the final days of the campaign, President Vučić also visited all three municipalities holding elections.
These elections also continued the recent trend of growing “interest” in election observation. This was already visible during the local elections in Kosjerić and Zaječar, when organizations close to the ruling party appeared as supposedly independent observers. Contrary to election observation rules and standards, in many cases these “observers” directly monitored and guided the work of polling boards. For the elections in these three municipalities, as many as 2,135 observers have been accredited on behalf of 16 associations and organizations. According to CRTA’s findings, most of them are connected to the authorities, while a smaller number are linked to opposition actors and community assemblies.
Intensified infrastructure works, improvements to health services, donations of equipment to sports associations and the distribution of packages with basic food items were the most visible activities directed toward local communities during the pre-election period.
These measures were accompanied by numerous promotional video messages in which credit for infrastructure, development and social interventions was attributed to the President of Serbia and local officials. The name of the President of Serbia was prominently featured on all three local lists of the Serbian Progressive Party and its coalition partners: Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Mionica!, Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Negotin! and Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Sečanj!. In the final days of the campaign, President Vučić also visited all three municipalities holding elections.
These elections also continued the recent trend of growing “interest” in election observation. This was already visible during the local elections in Kosjerić and Zaječar, when organizations close to the ruling party appeared as supposedly independent observers. Contrary to election observation rules and standards, in many cases these “observers” directly monitored and guided the work of polling boards. For the elections in these three municipalities, as many as 2,135 observers have been accredited on behalf of 16 associations and organizations. According to CRTA’s findings, most of them are connected to the authorities, while a smaller number are linked to opposition actors and community assemblies.
Mionica: Construction and Electoral Engineering
Six electoral lists are competing for 39 seats in the Municipal Assembly of Mionica:
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Mionica! (SNS coalition)
2. Social Democratic Party of Serbia; Marko Zeman (SDPS)
3. Bunt – Real Serbia; Dušan Marković (Russian minority list)
4. United for Mionica (citizens’ group)
5. Honor and Knowledge Against Corruption and Crime; Milan Gavrilović Ćićovan (Party of Freedom and Justice)
7. For the Rescue and Renewal of Mionica’s Villages; Radovan Rade Marković / Mirko Jović (citizens’ group)
The pre-election period was marked by engineering, both construction-related and electoral.
New kilometers of asphalt reached many villages, sidewalks were built along part of the Divčibare road, the water supply system was expanded, work continued on the sports hall and school, a new bridge was opened in the village of Paštrić, and the removal of a landfill was announced.
Infrastructure improvements and development promises were the main campaign assets of Boban Janković, the current president of the municipality. In nearly every appearance he expressed gratitude to representatives of the national government and senior SNS officials. His campaign essentially emphasized his close ties with the state and party leadership.
Mionica hosted numerous government representatives during the campaign. Milica Đurđević Stamenkovski, Minister for Labor, visited the construction site of a kindergarten and distributed gifts to children. Senior SNS officials including Miloš Vučević, Darko Glišić and Branislav Malović also visited.
The Socialist Party of Serbia, an SNS coalition partner, marked its anniversary in Mionica in the presence of Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Snežana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, and ministers without portfolio Novica Tončev and Đorđe Milićević.
Regarding electoral engineering, techniques intended to confuse voters were identified, including the nomination of “phantom” or quasi-opposition lists, as well as a Russian national minority list, although such a minority does not exist in the municipality.
The list United for Mionica, which includes several students as individuals rather than official representatives of the student movement, accused SNS of organizing an online hate campaign in which its members received even death threats. They reported social media profiles used to insult and defame students while simultaneously promoting SNS.
CRTA filed three complaints against Boban Janković, president of the municipality of Mionica, and Husein Memić, Minister of Tourism, for violating the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, specifically for the abuse of public office for party promotion.
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Mionica! (SNS coalition)
2. Social Democratic Party of Serbia; Marko Zeman (SDPS)
3. Bunt – Real Serbia; Dušan Marković (Russian minority list)
4. United for Mionica (citizens’ group)
5. Honor and Knowledge Against Corruption and Crime; Milan Gavrilović Ćićovan (Party of Freedom and Justice)
7. For the Rescue and Renewal of Mionica’s Villages; Radovan Rade Marković / Mirko Jović (citizens’ group)
The pre-election period was marked by engineering, both construction-related and electoral.
New kilometers of asphalt reached many villages, sidewalks were built along part of the Divčibare road, the water supply system was expanded, work continued on the sports hall and school, a new bridge was opened in the village of Paštrić, and the removal of a landfill was announced.
Infrastructure improvements and development promises were the main campaign assets of Boban Janković, the current president of the municipality. In nearly every appearance he expressed gratitude to representatives of the national government and senior SNS officials. His campaign essentially emphasized his close ties with the state and party leadership.
Mionica hosted numerous government representatives during the campaign. Milica Đurđević Stamenkovski, Minister for Labor, visited the construction site of a kindergarten and distributed gifts to children. Senior SNS officials including Miloš Vučević, Darko Glišić and Branislav Malović also visited.
The Socialist Party of Serbia, an SNS coalition partner, marked its anniversary in Mionica in the presence of Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Snežana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, and ministers without portfolio Novica Tončev and Đorđe Milićević.
Regarding electoral engineering, techniques intended to confuse voters were identified, including the nomination of “phantom” or quasi-opposition lists, as well as a Russian national minority list, although such a minority does not exist in the municipality.
The list United for Mionica, which includes several students as individuals rather than official representatives of the student movement, accused SNS of organizing an online hate campaign in which its members received even death threats. They reported social media profiles used to insult and defame students while simultaneously promoting SNS.
CRTA filed three complaints against Boban Janković, president of the municipality of Mionica, and Husein Memić, Minister of Tourism, for violating the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, specifically for the abuse of public office for party promotion.
Negotin: A Surge of Ministers
Four lists are competing for 45 seats in the Municipal Assembly of Negotin:
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Negotin! (SNS coalition)
2. United for Negotin (United coalition)
3. Europe and Youth “For Our Negotin” (citizens’ group)
4. Serbian Liberals – For a Green Negotin (citizens’ group)
The campaign in Negotin was marked by a particularly strong presence of state officials and prominent SNS figures. Those visiting the town included Miloš Vučević, former Prime Minister and current SNS president, Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Nikola Selaković, Minister of Culture, Aleksandra Sofronijević, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Novica Tončev, Minister without portfolio, and Darija Kisić, Director of the Science Fund.
On one day alone, three representatives of the national executive branch, two ministers and a state secretary, met with local entrepreneurs and farmers in Negotin.
Observers recorded 35 promotional videos effectively documenting the misuse of public resources.
Municipal employees from other parts of Serbia, such as Palilula and Zemun, were also visibly engaged in field activities, including promotional stands, the distribution of gifts to citizens and participation in party gatherings.
The ruling party’s campaign emphasized subsidies and investments in agriculture, healthcare and culture.
The electoral offer was also “enriched” by potentially phantom lists. The list Serbian Liberals is virtually unknown in Negotin, has no local base and lacks a website or social media presence. There is also confusion regarding the fact that the list was submitted by a citizens’ group, although Dejan Žujović, leader of the recently formed Serbian Liberal Party, attended the submission of signatures. The list Europe and Youth is also notable, as it is composed mostly of pensioners.
CRTA filed a complaint against SNS for conducting humanitarian activities in Negotin, which constitutes a prohibited form of electoral promotion under the law.
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Negotin! (SNS coalition)
2. United for Negotin (United coalition)
3. Europe and Youth “For Our Negotin” (citizens’ group)
4. Serbian Liberals – For a Green Negotin (citizens’ group)
The campaign in Negotin was marked by a particularly strong presence of state officials and prominent SNS figures. Those visiting the town included Miloš Vučević, former Prime Minister and current SNS president, Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Nikola Selaković, Minister of Culture, Aleksandra Sofronijević, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Novica Tončev, Minister without portfolio, and Darija Kisić, Director of the Science Fund.
On one day alone, three representatives of the national executive branch, two ministers and a state secretary, met with local entrepreneurs and farmers in Negotin.
Observers recorded 35 promotional videos effectively documenting the misuse of public resources.
Municipal employees from other parts of Serbia, such as Palilula and Zemun, were also visibly engaged in field activities, including promotional stands, the distribution of gifts to citizens and participation in party gatherings.
The ruling party’s campaign emphasized subsidies and investments in agriculture, healthcare and culture.
The electoral offer was also “enriched” by potentially phantom lists. The list Serbian Liberals is virtually unknown in Negotin, has no local base and lacks a website or social media presence. There is also confusion regarding the fact that the list was submitted by a citizens’ group, although Dejan Žujović, leader of the recently formed Serbian Liberal Party, attended the submission of signatures. The list Europe and Youth is also notable, as it is composed mostly of pensioners.
CRTA filed a complaint against SNS for conducting humanitarian activities in Negotin, which constitutes a prohibited form of electoral promotion under the law.
Sečanj: Pressure on the Most Vulnerable
Unlike Mionica and Negotin, where regular elections are being held, early local elections were called in Sečanj. The decision was insufficiently explained, raising suspicions that the national authorities were seeking a political arena in which they could demonstrate total dominance.
Five lists are competing for 23 seats in the Municipal Assembly:
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Sečanj! (SNS)
2. Ivica Dačić – Socialist Party of Serbia – For the Municipality of All of Us (SPS)
3. Vukašin Baćina – For a Better Municipality of Sečanj (citizens’ group)
4. Voice of Youth Changing Sečanj (citizens’ group)
5. Dr Vojislav Šešelj – Serbian Radical Party (SRS)
Sečanj was also visited by national and provincial officials during the campaign, while the local authorities promoted infrastructure works. Roads were asphalted in almost all villages.
Additional support came from outside the municipality. The Belgrade public utility company Gradska čistoća donated two trucks and work machines, while the Sports Association of Serbia provided sports equipment to an elementary school in Krajišnik during the campaign period.
In case investments and donations were not enough to motivate all voters, there were also pressures on citizens and misuse of institutions. Observers recorded allegations about the instrumentalization of the Center for Social Work and the Red Cross, including claims that social assistance and other benefits were conditioned on support for President Vučić and SNS.
It was also noted that Vlada Mandić and Dane Šijan, two former handball players now described as controversial businessmen known for conducting “special operations” for the ruling party, visited Sečanj. During the visit they gathered leaders of sports clubs and associations, promising various forms of support in exchange for backing SNS.
Attempts were also recorded to obstruct the participation of the opposition list Voice of Youth Changing Sečanj through the head of the municipal administration, allegedly by preventing the certification of signatures needed for the list’s registration.
The leaders of this group are Milja Vukoje, a retired doctor who was active in supporting student protests, and Dragan Žeželj, a former president of the local community of Sutjeska.
The list For a Better Municipality of Sečanj, another citizens’ group, is led by Vukašin Baćina, who, according to local sources, is linked to SNS and described as someone who formally presents himself as opposition.
Five lists are competing for 23 seats in the Municipal Assembly:
1. Aleksandar Vučić – Best for Sečanj! (SNS)
2. Ivica Dačić – Socialist Party of Serbia – For the Municipality of All of Us (SPS)
3. Vukašin Baćina – For a Better Municipality of Sečanj (citizens’ group)
4. Voice of Youth Changing Sečanj (citizens’ group)
5. Dr Vojislav Šešelj – Serbian Radical Party (SRS)
Sečanj was also visited by national and provincial officials during the campaign, while the local authorities promoted infrastructure works. Roads were asphalted in almost all villages.
Additional support came from outside the municipality. The Belgrade public utility company Gradska čistoća donated two trucks and work machines, while the Sports Association of Serbia provided sports equipment to an elementary school in Krajišnik during the campaign period.
In case investments and donations were not enough to motivate all voters, there were also pressures on citizens and misuse of institutions. Observers recorded allegations about the instrumentalization of the Center for Social Work and the Red Cross, including claims that social assistance and other benefits were conditioned on support for President Vučić and SNS.
It was also noted that Vlada Mandić and Dane Šijan, two former handball players now described as controversial businessmen known for conducting “special operations” for the ruling party, visited Sečanj. During the visit they gathered leaders of sports clubs and associations, promising various forms of support in exchange for backing SNS.
Attempts were also recorded to obstruct the participation of the opposition list Voice of Youth Changing Sečanj through the head of the municipal administration, allegedly by preventing the certification of signatures needed for the list’s registration.
The leaders of this group are Milja Vukoje, a retired doctor who was active in supporting student protests, and Dragan Žeželj, a former president of the local community of Sutjeska.
The list For a Better Municipality of Sečanj, another citizens’ group, is led by Vukašin Baćina, who, according to local sources, is linked to SNS and described as someone who formally presents himself as opposition.
