Serbia ‘sliding towards autocracy’ as president secures second term

Amid claims of dirty tricks, Aleksandar Vui has held on to the presidency, but activists are saying he is silencing opponents

Democracy watchdogs and civil society activists in Serbia have warned that the country is sliding towards autocracy under President Aleksandar Vui, who was elected for a second term this month with a large majority.

After a campaign marred by reports of widespread bribery, intimidation and gerrymandering, Vui won 60% of the presidential vote. The outcome of the parliamentary and Belgrade city elections, however, is still unclear. The opposition is waiting for courts to decide whether balloting will be repeated in areas where they have raised complaints of severe irregularities. As a result, a new government will not be formed for several months.