The Coalition Pod lupom, whose observers are present at all polling stations for the Repeat Early Elections for the Mayor of Vareš Municipality, has released a new interim report on election day observation covering the voting process, turnout, and electoral irregularities as of 15:00.
Voting process as of 15:00
Observers from the Coalition Pod lupom monitor compliance with legal and procedural rules during the voting process, including the proper issuance and recording of ballots, potential cases of multiple voting or voting on behalf of others, and the occurrence of other irregularities and procedural shortcomings such as family voting, unlawful assistance to voters, voter intimidation, presence of unauthorized persons at or near polling stations, breaches of ballot secrecy, or photographing ballots.
Preliminary observation results up to 15:00 indicate that the voting process in Vareš Municipality is proceeding generally smoothly, without serious irregularities that could compromise election results. The election day has so far been stable and free of major incidents. Observed irregularities are limited in scope and largely consist of procedural errors. The transparency of the process, uninterrupted work of observers, and absence of serious irregularities are important indicators of preserved election integrity during the course of the day, according to the Coalition Pod lupom.
The new interim report shows that traditional electoral irregularities and procedural errors are repeating on a smaller scale:
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Voters returned from polling stations due to absence from the CBS extract – up to 10 cases (at 35% of polling stations / 7 PS)
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Family voting / multiple persons in a voting booth – up to 10 cases (at 25% of polling stations / 5 PS)
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Assistance provided by another person without evidence that help is truly needed – observed at 10% of polling stations / 2 PS
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One person assisting multiple voters in the booth – up to 10 cases (at 5% of polling stations / 1 PS)
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Photographing ballots – observed at 5% of polling stations / 1 PS
These findings indicate that, although the elections are largely conducted in accordance with the law and electoral rules, certain minor procedural errors still occur. These are isolated cases that have not affected the overall integrity of the voting process but highlight areas that require additional attention and enhanced control by the election administration.
Voter turnout as of 15:00
The Coalition Pod lupom is also monitoring voter turnout. Recorded turnout for the Repeat Early Elections for Mayor of Vareš Municipality at polling stations where Coalition observers are present is 35% as of 15:00. For comparison, turnout at the previous Local Elections in 2024 in Vareš Municipality was 35.18% at the same time.
Reminder for citizens
The Coalition Pod lupom reminds citizens that reporting electoral irregularities directly contributes to a fairer electoral process. We encourage everyone who observes irregularities to report them immediately via the toll-free number 080 05 05 05 or through the Coalition’s social media channels. In this way, every individual actively contributes to free and fair elections, emphasized the Coalition.
Upcoming findings
In the next press release, which the Coalition Pod lupom will publish at 21:00 on the website www.podlupom.org, data will be presented on the voting process, closing of polling stations, packing of election materials, vote counting, recorded electoral irregularities, voter turnout, as well as preliminary results for the Mayor of Vareš Municipality.
