BELGRADE: President Tomislav Nikolic yesterday said Serbia will hold early parliamentary polls on March 16, as the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) seeks to capitalise on support after starting EU membership talks.
“I have just signed the decree to dissolve parliament, paving the way for parliamentary elections to be held on March 16,” Nikolic said during a brief ceremony broadcast live on state television.
On January 21, Serbia set off on a long road towards the EU entry, which Belgrade officials hoped could come by 2020.
On Sunday, the SNS, the senior partner in Serbia’s ruling coalition, called for early polls to be held.
Analysts say the SNS wants to build on its growing popularity after beginning the accession talks with Brussels.
“All elections, especially early ones, are a blow to the economy and the process of reforms,” said economic analyst Ljubomir Madzar. “The only positive effect could be gaining of a strong political force in power,” he added.
The latest surveys show that the SNS could count on the support of 48 percent of voters if elections were held now.
AFP
