More than 30 Serbian diplomats have criticized Serbia diaspora voting arrangements ahead of the October 25 parliamentary election. They say the government has proposed too few polling stations despite growing interest among citizens abroad.
In a joint statement, the diplomats urged Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review its plans. They also called for more polling stations and easier access for voters.
The statement carries the title “Diaspora, We Are Sorry.” Serbian media outlet N1 reported its contents, while Serbian Times also covered the criticism.
Serbia Diaspora Voting Faces Growing Criticism
According to the diplomats, nearly three times as many citizens registered to vote abroad compared with the 2023 election.
However, they say the ministry has failed to respond to this increase.
The ministry proposed 90 polling stations outside Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina would host the largest number, with 28 locations.
The diplomats argue that these numbers do not reflect voter demand.
They also questioned the absence of polling stations in several cities. These include Bratislava, Vancouver, Abu Dhabi and Herceg Novi.
According to their statement, these locations hosted voting during previous elections. The diplomats believe they could accommodate voters again.
Furthermore, they criticized ministry officials for missing a meeting of the Republic Electoral Commission’s overseas voting working group.
The officials were expected to explain how the ministry selected polling locations.
The diplomats called for clear answers and changes to the current proposals. They also accused certain officials of ignoring professional standards.
Voting Hours Raise Additional Concerns
The Republic Electoral Commission approved overseas voting hours on October 5.
Under its decision, polling stations abroad will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central European Time.
Therefore, voters in some countries will have to cast their ballots during nighttime hours.
This could affect Serbian citizens living in North America, Asia and Australia.
The diplomats strongly criticized the decision. They argued that overseas voting should follow local time rather than Serbia’s time zone.
Meanwhile, they thanked Serbian embassy and consular employees for processing a record number of applications.
They said those employees worked under tight deadlines and with limited resources.
The diplomats also urged current and retired ministry staff to defend professional standards.
Finally, they addressed Serbian citizens abroad with a direct apology.
“Diaspora, we are sorry,” they wrote.
They added that they would not remain silent about decisions made in the ministry’s name.
The dispute has increased scrutiny of Serbia diaspora voting arrangements before the October 25 election.
For now, the diplomats want officials to explain their decisions and reconsider polling locations and voting hours.
