Serbian State Workers Coerced to Vote for Ruling Party Ahead of Election

In municipalities and at the Republic Geodetic Authority (RGZ), staff have been compelled to sign documents pledging support for the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and to attend party rallies ahead of the October 25 parliamentary election. The practice, which intensified after acting RGZ director Dalibor Babic’s appointment in August, involves party representatives pressuring workers and assigning “capillary” vote collection targets.

International observers, including the OSCE’s ODIHR and the European Commission, have noted similar public-sector voting pressure since 2014. Employees report threats of transfers to remote posts, pay cuts, or stalled promotions for non-compliance, while loyalists receive bonuses and overtime for party work. The phenomenon extends to other state bodies, such as health institutions and the utility company Infostan, where hires are often party activists who receive salaries despite minimal attendance. Former Equality Commissioner Brankica Jankovic described the system as systemic discrimination based on political affiliation.