McAllister: Election Boycott Will Not Contribute to Strengthening Institutions

David McAllister (Photo: Beta / MILOS MISKOV)

David McAllister, the chair of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, stated in Belgrade on Aug. 26 that the possible boycott of the elections by the opposition would not contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Serbia.

The boycott of the 2020 elections would mean that the stands of the parties, which do not participate in the elections, will not be heard in parliamentary debate, and that does not contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions, McAllister told reporters at the end of his visit to Serbia.

McAllister said that he told the opposition MPs with whom he met that the parliament was the place for democratic debate and for passing the laws, guiding the country towards the EU.

As I understand, the boycott has not yet been announced, some parties are contemplating it, but there is time until the elections and activities should be continued towards improving the work of the parliament, McAllister pointed out.

He said that the European Parliament was ready to provide support to the authorities and the opposition in Serbia, in finding common ground.

We must precisely investigate how it will be possible to make the dialogue easier. I cannot tell you if that support will come, but readiness certainly exists, the European parliamentarian stated.

McAllister said that it was important that the European Commission's recommendations for improving the work of the parliament are implemented.

There is also a list of recommendations for improving the electoral system in Serbia, and the government has started talking with OSCE representatives about recommendations for the elections, McAllister stated.

He underscored that it was necessary to commend the government's work, especially in the field of the rule of law and economic reforms, including the media field.

The dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade has to resume because an alternative does not exist, McAllister reiterated, recollecting that the EU and the U.S. requested Kosovo on several occasions to abolish the import fees on goods from Serbia.

The countries of the Quint recently urged Pristina to react, but there was no reaction. Now we should wait for the outcome of the elections in Kosovo. I hope those in charge in Pristina will listen to our advice, McAllister stated.