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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Presidential and local elections should take place in accordance with law

Belgrade, 10 September 2007

Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Milan Markovic stated today that it would be logical that Serbian presidential elections are held by the end of the year whereas local elections could take place in spring 2008.

Milan Markovic

Markovic told a press conference on the occasion of 100 days of government work that any postponement would be harmful and anti-constitutional.

According to him, the Ministry is waiting for political agreement to be reached as regards to certain laws the Ministry should suggest in accordance with the Constitutional law.

Markovic said that the Ministry will not be able to wait for political agreement long and that it will have to suggest laws to parliament within the deadline set forth in Constitutional law.

Local elections should be organised according to majority system so that citizens could vote for best individuals and not political parties, which will guarantee more efficient and better quality local authorities, he said.

If local elections are held together with presidential elections, everyone will be hiding behind political leaders and voters will vote for parties and leaders, and not for best quality individuals, said Markovic.

Speaking on the voter registration list, the Minister noted that it has faults but does not question citizens’ will.

Markovic announced that the Ministry will suggest that mayors be elected in local assemblies and not in direct elections as the previous practice showed there are many problems and conflicts between mayors and legislative authorities.

He also said that draft versions of the bill on local self-government and territorial organisation have been made and that working groups engaged on the laws on capital city and local elections have been formed.