West Questions Integrity of Serbia Poll After Win by Incumbent ‘Pro-Russia’ Party

The United States and the European Union have called on Belgrade to address their concerns over alleged “irregularities” in parliamentary polls won by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

“We conclude with concern that the electoral process [in Serbia] requires tangible improvement and further reform,” EU commissioners Josep Borrell and Oliver Varhelyi said on Dec. 19.

“The proper functioning of Serbia’s democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process,” the two officials said in a joint statement.

Serbia, which has been on track to join the EU since 2012, held snap elections on Dec. 17.

The SNS, founded by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, won almost 47 percent of the vote, according to the country’s official election commission.