BELGRADE – Following its defeat in the snap parliamentary election on 25 October, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is moving closer to a decision not to contest the upcoming presidential election. Former Serbian President and SNS member Aleksandar Vučić confirmed this last night during an appearance on TV Pink.
“Quite simply, not only is there no political life here, but you are taking in something where someone comes along and ties your hands and feet”, Vučić said.
He added that, under such conditions, there was no reason to participate in “something that is a farce”.
Although Vučić left open the possibility of changing this decision, Savremena politika has learned that the option of SNS not fielding a presidential candidate was also discussed at the party’s National Board meeting on Saturday.
Since last Monday, the day after the Students’ List’s election victory, senior SNS officials, Vučić and pro-SNS media outlets have been accusing the Students’ List of carrying out “revolutionary terror”. Against this backdrop, SNS has argued that conditions are not in place for it to participate in the upcoming presidential election.
Serbia must hold its presidential election by 27 December this year, following Aleksandar Vučić’s resignation on 27 September.
Acting President Ana Brnabić will call the election, which must be announced by 27 November. The vote must take place no fewer than 30 and no more than 60 days after the election is called.
Brnabić may serve as acting president for a maximum of three months pending the election of a new head of state.
