Srdanović: The Student List will win, Serbia needs justice and institutions freed from political control

The lead candidate on the Student List, Dr Ilija Srdanović, has said that the upcoming elections are crucial for Serbia’s future, the establishment of the rule of law and the strengthening of democracy. In an interview with ETV Portal, he stressed that media freedom, oversight of the electoral process and high voter turnout on 25 October would be of decisive importance. He sees the foreign policy of a future government as one based on good-neighbourly relations and mutual respect.

ETV PORTAL: What outcome do you expect on 25 October, and what, in your opinion, will be decisive for voters?

SRDANOVIĆ: At this point, we know that the greatest support has been expressed for the Student List. For voters in Serbia, the decisive choice will be whether to take the path towards building a civilised society based on democracy, the rule of law and justice. Serbia is yearning for justice and a well-functioning system in which everyone is equal before the law, and the exercise of rights and fulfilment of obligations do not depend on party affiliation.

ETV PORTAL: How fair can these elections be, given that Aleksandar Vučić controls all the levers of power and enjoys the support of the media?

SRDANOVIĆ: Serious irregularities are already taking place, and we are fully aware of them. The domestic and international public are aware of unconstitutional measures denying tens of thousands of our citizens the right to vote, despite having registered to vote abroad. Nevertheless, citizens have organised themselves to travel to distant polling stations or return to Serbia in order to exercise their voting rights. Media freedom is being systematically restricted. The last remaining television outlets that are not aligned with the regime are being shut down, and there is no free radio broadcasting space at the national level either. Editorial offices are being bombarded with ultimatums, while pro-regime executives are being imposed on print media outlets. The only remaining media space is the internet and social media, through which citizens can access truthful information. We are witnessing restrictions on media freedom online as well. Among the many accounts that have been suspended was my own Instagram account. Serbia is on the brink of total media darkness on a scale unseen in recent European history. Despite the dire state of media freedom, efforts to raise awareness of the importance of voting and to inform citizens about the student programme have not been stopped.

ETV PORTAL: Why are these elections important not only for Serbia but also for the political situation in the region?

SRDANOVIĆ: This time, Serbian citizens are also choosing their country's approach to its neighbours. The previous government has damaged relations with all countries in the region. Rhetoric about destabilisation was particularly prominent during election periods. The Student List's foreign policy will be guided by good-neighbourly relations and mutual respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other states. We will pursue a foreign policy based on open dialogue in international relations, implemented by the Government of the Republic of Serbia in accordance with the Constitution and in the interests of our citizens.

ETV PORTAL: Some believe these elections in Serbia are more important than those held in October 2000. What is your view?

SRDANOVIĆ: I fully agree that these elections are extremely important. Their significance is heightened by unchecked radicalism, the complete breakdown of society and the criminalisation of institutions. The scale of organised crime directed from the highest levels of state power is unprecedented in Serbian history. Nevertheless, after witnessing countless scandals, Serbian citizens have an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction and choose an option whose aim is to restore institutions to a framework in which the law is respected.

ETV PORTAL: If the Student List wins, do you expect Vučić to hand over power peacefully?

SRDANOVIĆ: According to opinion polls, the scale of our rallies and the queues of citizens expressing their support, the Student List is unequivocally set to win the upcoming elections. We will ensure a peaceful transfer of power by engaging a large number of trained polling board members and election observers, who will work to ensure that every vote is counted correctly and that the will of the people is not manipulated. At the same time, I call on all participants in the electoral process to behave peacefully and with dignity. 

ETV PORTAL: If you win a majority, what will your approach be towards the EU, Russia and China?

SRDANOVIĆ: Serbia's foreign policy will be guided by the interests of our citizens. This will be the key difference compared with previous practice. Foreign policy issues are not a priority in the Student List's programme. The new government's priority measures will focus on establishing the fundamental domestic values of the rule of law, freeing institutions from political control and comprehensively strengthening democracy. The reason is that stable and well-functioning domestic governance is a prerequisite for a stronger negotiating position.

ETV PORTAL: Television E and ETV Portal recently published information claiming that Aleksandar Vučić, with the assistance of Serbia's Security Intelligence Agency and Military Intelligence Agency, had secured 10,000 voters from Montenegro. What is your comment?

SRDANOVIĆ: There is frequent speculation about this and similar issues. Such information may be fabricated with the aim of discouraging voters and reducing turnout, thereby influencing the final result. We urge every citizen to exercise their right to vote, because this is precisely how we will obtain the clearest and most legitimate picture of the electorate's will. High turnout and effective election monitoring are our priorities.