Election Silence in Serbia, Will Last Until 8 p.m. on April 3

Flag of Serbia.(BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC/MO)

Election silence ahead of the parliamentary, presidential and local elections in two cities and 11 municipalities started at midnight on March 31 and will last until polling stations close at 8 p.m. on April 3.

Election propaganda, holding public rallies and presenting estimates of election results are prohibited during election silence. Also prohibited is the placement of symbols and propaganda material of participants in the election at polling stations and up to 50 meters from them.

On election day, April 3, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. reports on where the candidates voted may be published, but not their statements.

During election silence, information on voter turnout may be published and spots by competent state bodies and NGOs instructing citizens on when and how they can vote may be aired.

This year, the general election will see the participation of 19 election tickets of parties and coalitions which will fight to cross the three percent election threshold and win seats in the Serbian parliament, while the presidential race will involve eight candidates.

No media outlets registered in Serbia are allowed to publicize estimates of election results, publicly present candidates and their programs and call on voters to vote or not vote for particular election tickets.