Serbia's Right-wing Populists Seek to Strengthen Power in Belgrade Election Amid Fraud Accusations

Voters in Serbia are voting again in Belgrade and other cities. The ruling right-wing populists want to keep their power. They faced accusations of cheating in the last election. This caused tension and led to a repeat vote. The President's party is accused of rigging the election. The populists deny this but agreed to a new vote. Other cities like Novi Sad and Nis are also having elections for local councils. The President wants Serbia to join the EU but has moved away from EU values. The ruling party has close ties with Russia and China. The opposition accuses the President of corruption and limiting democracy. They split after protests last year, making voters less interested. The ruling party has been in power for over a decade. If the opposition wins some local councils, it would be a big change. International observers said the last election was unfair. They mentioned the President's involvement and advantages for the ruling party. Local observers say not much has changed for this vote. There were reports of fraud in Belgrade, like people being brought in to vote illegally. The ruling right-wing populists are trying to keep their power in Serbia by winning the rerun election in Belgrade and other cities. The President's party was accused of cheating in the last election, leading to a repeat vote. Other cities are also having elections for local councils.