Serbia sets presidential election for April 2
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 March 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia sets presidential election for April 2, 2 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a5d0c.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 02, 2017
Serbian Prime Minister and leader of the Serbian Progressive Party Aleksandar Vucic is seen as a clear favorite.
Serbia will hold a presidential election on April 2, with Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic seen as a clear favorite against an opposition in disarray.
The voting date, announced by parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic on March 2, would mean a runoff on April 16 if no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the initial round.
None of the opposition candidates – expected to include former Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, ultranationalist Vojislav Seselj, and former Serbian ombudsman Sasa Jankovic – is currently considered likely to present a major challenge to Vucic.
Serbia's constitution gives the president only limited powers, and incumbent Tomislav Nikolic is seen by many as a marginalized figure in the Balkan country's politics.
Vucic, a 46-year-old lawyer who is popular at home and has experience dealing with Serbia's international partners, could seek to change that.
As prime minister, Vucic has maintained a balancing act between Moscow and Brussels, but has been assertive in implementing a European agenda and is seen by EU leaders as a reliable partner.
With reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
