On Thursday lawmakers voted for a new Coalition after 2 days of heated debates. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic government was backed by 152 to 61 votes in the 250 member Parliament. Watch in for more details!

Serbia: Prime Minister Milos Vucevic government backed 152-62 in 250 member Parliament

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period.&nbsp;

"This discovery is of outstanding importance, as hardly any larger Late Neolithic settlements are known in the Serbian Banat region," research leader Martin Furholt from the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology (IPPA) at Kiel University in Germany, said in a press release.

The settlement is located near the Tamis River in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia, a landlocked country in the Balkans.

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The team managed to fully map the extent of the geographical area of the settlement, determining that it covers an area of roughly 11-13 hectares. It is also surrounded by four and six ditches on each side.

"A settlement of this size is spectacular. The geophysical data also gives us a clear idea of the structure of the site 7,000 years ago," Fynn Wilkes, co-team leader of the German-Serbian research team with the IPPA, said in the release.
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During the mapping of the site, archaeologists also found some artefacts that show a link to the Vinca culture, which dates back to between 5400 BC and 4400 BC. The Vinca culture is a prehistoric group that occupied a region of southeastern-central Europe during this period.&nbsp;

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Its territory now primarily corresponds to Serbia and Kosovo, as well as parts of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Among other distinctive characteristics, the culture is known for producing some of the largest settlements in prehistoric Europe.

The newly uncovered settlement is also associated with the Vinca culture based on the material found at the site. The site also appears to have been strongly influenced by the regional Banat prehistoric culture.&nbsp;

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"This is also remarkable, as only a few settlements with material from the Banat culture are known from what is now Serbia," Wilkes said.

Further investigations of the site are still going on, but the discovery of the settlement itself will be of great help to researchers to better understand prehistoric societies in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period.

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period. "This discovery is of outstanding importance, as hardly any larger Late Neolithic settlements are known in the Serbian Banat region," research leader Martin Furholt from the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology (IPPA) at Kiel University in Germany, said in a press release. The settlement is located near the Tamis River in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia, a landlocked country in the Balkans. Also Read | ISRO captures high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, Pragyan rover resting on Moon The team managed to fully map the extent of the geographical area of the settlement, determining that it covers an area of roughly 11-13 hectares. It is also surrounded by four and six ditches on each side. "A settlement of this size is spectacular. The geophysical data also gives us a clear idea of the structure of the site 7,000 years ago," Fynn Wilkes, co-team leader of the German-Serbian research team with the IPPA, said in the release. During the mapping of the site, archaeologists also found some artefacts that show a link to the Vinca culture, which dates back to between 5400 BC and 4400 BC. The Vinca culture is a prehistoric group that occupied a region of southeastern-central Europe during this period. Also Read | Big! World's highest astronomical observatory is finally open and sits atop Chile's Andes Mountains Its territory now primarily corresponds to Serbia and Kosovo, as well as parts of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Among other distinctive characteristics, the culture is known for producing some of the largest settlements in prehistoric Europe. The newly uncovered settlement is also associated with the Vinca culture based on the material found at the site. The site also appears to have been strongly influenced by the regional Banat prehistoric culture. Also Read | 'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time "This is also remarkable, as only a few settlements with material from the Banat culture are known from what is now Serbia," Wilkes said. Further investigations of the site are still going on, but the discovery of the settlement itself will be of great help to researchers to better understand prehistoric societies in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover a massive 7000-year-old pre-historic settlement in Serbia

Chinese president Xi Jinping is set to embark on a tour of Europe. He will be visiting several countries on his first trip to the continent since the covid pandemic. As China looks for greater trade and strategic ties with the region. During the reported tour the Chinese leader will make stops in Hungary, Siberia and France. Watch in for more details!

China President Xi Jinping to visit France, Serbia & Hungary

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry.

"It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed,"&nbsp;official Luka Causic told reporters.

He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety.

Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation.

Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes.

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NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days.

The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake."

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Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999. This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry. "It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed," official Luka Causic told reporters. He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety. Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation. Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes. Also watch | IDF bombs Hezbollah in Lebanon | US house passes $95 billion aid bill NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days. The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake." Also read | Man arrested from Denmark airport after bomb threat triggers evacuation, probe on Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs. (With inputs from agencies)

1,000 kg NATO bomb excavated from Serbian city; thousands evacuated

Nearly two dozen of women are at the centre of a battle in Eastern Serbia to have their village relocated, away from a copper mine that they say has polluted their land and water and ruined the surrounding countryside.

Meet the women fighting to relocate their Serbian village to escape encroaching mine

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday.

Slovak doubles duo Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay clinched the decisive point with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Nikola Caci and Miomir Kecmanovic to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.

Lukas Pokorny made it 4-0 after Laslo Djere retired while trailing in the first set of the reverse singles on indoor clay at Kraljevo.

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"Too many years we didn't qualify but finally we made it," said Zelenay.

Alex Molcan, who won Friday's second singles, added: "We knew it was going to be tough against Serbians in their home nation. I'm happy we were able to win two matches today."

Zelenay and Klein had recovered from a break in the first set, digging deep with 31 winners to see off 2010 champions Serbia.

On Friday, Klein got Slovakia off the mark with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over Kecmanovic, with Molcan rallying past Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.

In Hungary, three-time winners Germany -- missing Alexander Zverev due to illness -- clinched the first two of Saturday's matches for an eventual 3-2 victory.

Doubles pairing Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz's 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkusz pulled the Germans ahead.

Jan-Lennard Struff sealed their ticket with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Valkusz to advance to September's group stage featuring 16 teams. Zsombor Piros won a dead fifth rubber against Krawietz.

Finland cruised to a 3-1 win over Portugal, while Brazil qualified for a first finals appearance as Thiago Monteiro defeated Elias Ymer in three sets to cement a 3-1 victory of their own.

<h2>Dutch delight</h2>

The Netherlands won a thrilling contest against Switzerland, Botic van de Zandschulp edging Marc-Andrea Huesler 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 in the decisive second reverse singles as the Dutch prevailed 3-2 in Groningen.

The Swiss led the tie 2-1 after Huesler and Leandro Riedi won Saturday's doubles, but Tallon Griekspoor kept the hosts alive by seeing off Riedi in two tie-break sets.

"We had to win and it was up to me to do it," said Griekspoor. "That is what you have to do as a team leader. I really didn't feel any tension - I really enjoyed it."

Canada, the 2022 champions, seized a 3-1 lead over South Korea to clinch victory on Saturday in Montreal when Gabriel Diallo defeated Hong Seong-chan 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.

Two-time winners Croatia are level at 1-1 with Belgium as are Argentina and Kazakhstan.

France hold a 2-0 lead against Taiwan, in one of five qualifiers set to conclude on Sunday. The Czech Republic have a similar advantage over Israel.

Defending champions Italy and last year's runners-up Australia, as well as Britain and Spain have advanced automatically to the finals.

On Friday, the United States advanced 4-0 with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram sealing their spot with a doubles win against Ukraine.

Taylor Fritz then eased past Vladyslav Orlov 6-3, 6-4 to complete an American sweep.

"I'm proud of the guys," said US captain Bob Bryan of the record 32-time winners who have not lifted the trophy since 2007.

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday.

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday. Slovak doubles duo Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay clinched the decisive point with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Nikola Caci and Miomir Kecmanovic to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie. Lukas Pokorny made it 4-0 after Laslo Djere retired while trailing in the first set of the reverse singles on indoor clay at Kraljevo. Also Read: IND v ENG: ‘We believe we can chase anything’ – Crawley on England’s chances in Vizag "Too many years we didn't qualify but finally we made it," said Zelenay. Alex Molcan, who won Friday's second singles, added: "We knew it was going to be tough against Serbians in their home nation. I'm happy we were able to win two matches today." Zelenay and Klein had recovered from a break in the first set, digging deep with 31 winners to see off 2010 champions Serbia. On Friday, Klein got Slovakia off the mark with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over Kecmanovic, with Molcan rallying past Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. In Hungary, three-time winners Germany -- missing Alexander Zverev due to illness -- clinched the first two of Saturday's matches for an eventual 3-2 victory. Doubles pairing Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz's 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkusz pulled the Germans ahead. Jan-Lennard Struff sealed their ticket with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Valkusz to advance to September's group stage featuring 16 teams. Zsombor Piros won a dead fifth rubber against Krawietz. Finland cruised to a 3-1 win over Portugal, while Brazil qualified for a first finals appearance as Thiago Monteiro defeated Elias Ymer in three sets to cement a 3-1 victory of their own. Dutch delight The Netherlands won a thrilling contest against Switzerland, Botic van de Zandschulp edging Marc-Andrea Huesler 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 in the decisive second reverse singles as the Dutch prevailed 3-2 in Groningen. The Swiss led the tie 2-1 after Huesler and Leandro Riedi won Saturday's doubles, but Tallon Griekspoor kept the hosts alive by seeing off Riedi in two tie-break sets. "We had to win and it was up to me to do it," said Griekspoor. "That is what you have to do as a team leader. I really didn't feel any tension - I really enjoyed it." Canada, the 2022 champions, seized a 3-1 lead over South Korea to clinch victory on Saturday in Montreal when Gabriel Diallo defeated Hong Seong-chan 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. Two-time winners Croatia are level at 1-1 with Belgium as are Argentina and Kazakhstan. France hold a 2-0 lead against Taiwan, in one of five qualifiers set to conclude on Sunday. The Czech Republic have a similar advantage over Israel. Defending champions Italy and last year's runners-up Australia, as well as Britain and Spain have advanced automatically to the finals. On Friday, the United States advanced 4-0 with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram sealing their spot with a doubles win against Ukraine. Taylor Fritz then eased past Vladyslav Orlov 6-3, 6-4 to complete an American sweep. "I'm proud of the guys," said US captain Bob Bryan of the record 32-time winners who have not lifted the trophy since 2007.

Slovakia beat Djokovic-less Serbia to enter maiden Davis Cup finals

Braving bitter cold and wind, archaeologists in Serbia survey the site of an ancient Roman triumphal arch, one of only a handful in the Balkans, that dates back to the third century. Watch this video for all details.

Roman triumphal arch unearthed by Serbian archaeologists

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied peacefully in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Tuesday in an anti-government protest to demand the annulment of last month's elections, which were described by international observers as unfair.

Serbian Opposition rallies in Belgrade demand annulment of December election results

The situation in Serbia remains tense over massive demonstrations over the alleged election fraud in the country. Serbian President Alexander Vucic has said that he has secured a commanding victory in the December 17th elections, as demonstrators and opposition groups head to the streets demanding annulment of the results.

Serbia unrest: 24-hour blockade staged in central Belgrade

Serbia unrest: Anti-government agitation enter day 13

Thousands of people gathered in Serbia's capital city Belgrade on Saturday (Dec 30), protesting over the results of the parliamentary and municipal elections on Dec 17.

Thousands of people gathered in Serbia's capital city Belgrade on Saturday (Dec 30), protesting over the results of the parliamentary and municipal elections on Dec 17. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 46.72 per cent of the votes in the parliamentary election and was declared the winner. Serbia Against Violence came second in the election with 23.56 per cent of the vote. The Socialist Party of Serbia was third with 6.56 per cent. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Saturday, Serbia Against Violence, which has led protests since Dec 17, accused the SNS of widespread vote fraud. During the protest in a square in central Belgrade, Serbia Against Violence leader Marinika Tepic demanded an annulment of the Dec 17 vote. "I'm sorry that I can't, and I don't have much to tell you. The only thing I can (say) is that I have already said everything and that these elections must be annulled," said Tepic, who has been on a hunger strike since Dec 18. She was cheered on by protestors waving Serbian flags. 'Freedom and democracy belong to Belgrade' Speaking to Reuters, a protestor named Katarina Popovic said, "I expect us to send a signal, a sign that Belgrade is ours, that Belgrade is free. They took it away from us, but we won't give it away. Whether we will succeed this time, we don't know. Maybe we need one more day, ten days, and a hundred days, but we will not give up Belgrade. Freedom, and democracy - this is something that belongs to Belgrade." Also read: Serbia: Riot police use ‘excessive force’ to repel protesters alleging election fraud "If one feels that something is not right, then one casts a vote to disagree with what is wrong, that is what we can do - not to take the side of what we think is wrong. One day, our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will see who said what at which moment in history and where they were," another protestor told the news agency. Oppn demands international probe of vote The opposition has demanded an international investigation of the vote after representatives of several global watchdogs reported multiple irregularities, including cases of vote-buying and ballot box stuffing, the news agency Associated Press reported. Local election monitors alleged that voters from across Serbia and neighbouring countries were registered and abused in to casting ballots. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the SNS have rejected these allegations as fabricated. President Vucic has said the elections were fair and his party won and accused the opposition of inciting violent protests to overthrow the government on instructions from abroad. Opposition leaders have, however, denied this. On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said the “small number of demonstrators” at the rally in Belgrade showed that “people don’t want them (the opposition.)” (With inputs from agencies)

Serbia: Thousands protest over election results; oppn demands annulment of vote

Massive anti-government protests have gripped Serbia's capital Belgrade. The protests come as the opposition alleges fraud and malpractice in the elections held last week. Some opposition politicians have also gone on a hunger strike.

Thousands protest in Serbia demanding elections must be annulled

Serbian Opposition demonstrators broke windows as they tried to storm in Belgrade's City Hall during demonstrations over alleged election fraud. Demonstrators used flag poles, rocks and eggs to break the windows of the City Hall.

Protests continue to rock Serbian capital, protesters demand polls to be annulled

Protests continue to rock Serbian capital, protesters demand polls to be annuled

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building.

Police in Belgrade intervened after the protesters turned violent, smashing windows of the city hall. The riot police used pepper spray to repel the opposition leaders.

Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged fraud in last week’s general elections where the ruling party led by President Aleksandar Vucic emerged victorious.

Belgrade has been witnessing massive opposition protests ever since. However, Sunday’s were the first one to turn violent. There were no reports of injuries.

President Vucic has termed these protests&nbsp;an attempt to overthrow the government orchestrated from abroad. At least 35 people have been arrested so far.

“This was an attempted violent takeover of the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia,” Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV.

<h2>Statement from opposition leaders&nbsp;</h2>

Opposition parties say the elections were manipulated, a claim dismissed as “rubbish and lies” by the president.

Domestic and international observers have also flagged “irregularities” in the elections, amidst claims of ballot box stuffing and vote buying.

Watch:&nbsp;Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes

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The observers also noted unjust conditions for opposition candidates due to media bias, abuse of public resources and the president's dominance during the campaign.

The opposition leaders blamed Sunday’s violence on agents provocateurs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbian-parliamentary-poll-president-vucic-says-his-sns-party-won-the-election-670767">Also read:&nbsp;Serbian parliamentary poll: President Vucic claims his SNS party has won elections</a>

Sofija Mandic, a lawyer, told those assembled that Mr Vucic should "hand over power peacefully". The government was "usurping" power, she added.

The opposition had high hopes of defeating the incumbent president in the elections, which was eventually won by Vucic’s party with a majority.

Several opposition figures have also gone on hunger strike.

"Vucic stole thousands of votes," Marinika Tepic, one of the hunger strikers, said at Sunday's protest.

<h2>Election Commission’s response</h2>

Amidst claims of large-scale irregularities, Serbia’s election commission on Wednesday said it will be re-running elections on at least 30 polling stations, out of 8,000 nationwide.

The political turmoil in Serbia, a nation hopeful of joining the European Union (EU), has also attracted reactions from key European capitals.

Berlin said that allegations of electoral misconduct were "unacceptable".

(With inputs from agencies)

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building.

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building. Police in Belgrade intervened after the protesters turned violent, smashing windows of the city hall. The riot police used pepper spray to repel the opposition leaders. Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged fraud in last week’s general elections where the ruling party led by President Aleksandar Vucic emerged victorious. Belgrade has been witnessing massive opposition protests ever since. However, Sunday’s were the first one to turn violent. There were no reports of injuries. President Vucic has termed these protests an attempt to overthrow the government orchestrated from abroad. At least 35 people have been arrested so far. “This was an attempted violent takeover of the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia,” Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV. Statement from opposition leaders Opposition parties say the elections were manipulated, a claim dismissed as “rubbish and lies” by the president. Domestic and international observers have also flagged “irregularities” in the elections, amidst claims of ballot box stuffing and vote buying. Watch: Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes × The observers also noted unjust conditions for opposition candidates due to media bias, abuse of public resources and the president's dominance during the campaign. The opposition leaders blamed Sunday’s violence on agents provocateurs. Also read: Serbian parliamentary poll: President Vucic claims his SNS party has won elections Sofija Mandic, a lawyer, told those assembled that Mr Vucic should "hand over power peacefully". The government was "usurping" power, she added. The opposition had high hopes of defeating the incumbent president in the elections, which was eventually won by Vucic’s party with a majority. Several opposition figures have also gone on hunger strike. "Vucic stole thousands of votes," Marinika Tepic, one of the hunger strikers, said at Sunday's protest. Election Commission’s response Amidst claims of large-scale irregularities, Serbia’s election commission on Wednesday said it will be re-running elections on at least 30 polling stations, out of 8,000 nationwide. The political turmoil in Serbia, a nation hopeful of joining the European Union (EU), has also attracted reactions from key European capitals. Berlin said that allegations of electoral misconduct were "unacceptable". (With inputs from agencies)

Serbia: Riot police use ‘excessive force’ to repel protesters alleging election fraud

In pics | At least 8 police officers injured, 38 arrested as protests grip Serbia over election

Protest in Serbia: Stones hurled at Belgrade City Hall | World News | WION

Serbia: Thousands protest in Belgrade, stones hurled at Belgrade City Hall | World News | WION

Serbia: Interior Ministry urges demonstrators to refrain from violence

Serbia’s ruling populist party comfortably won Sunday’s parliamentary elections, according to an early official vote count, but political tensions rose over allegations of irregularities in a local election race in the capital, Belgrade.

Opposition cries foul as Serbia Poll results project Vucic as the winner

Serbians on Sunday are voting in the country's parliamentary elections, the tenth such voting exercise since the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict that led to the creation of Republic of Kosovo with partial international recognition.

Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes

Serbia’s ruling populists claim sweeping victory in election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said early Sunday (Dec 17) that his party- the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won the parliamentary election, extending the populist outfit's rule in the Balkan country.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said early Sunday (Dec 17) that his party- the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won the parliamentary election, extending the populist outfit's rule in the Balkan country. According to a report by the news agency AFP, President Vucic told reporters that his party would have an absolute majority in parliament with 127 seats, adding around 76 per cent of ballots had been counted. AFP reported that even though the president was personally on the ballot in the parliamentary and local elections, the electoral battle was largely seen as a referendum on his government. "My job was to do everything in my power to secure an absolute majority in the parliament," he said. Official results are yet to be announced later in the day, but Vucic appeared certain of his party's performance. An expansion of presence for the ruling party With Vucic's victory announcement, the SNS is hoping to expand its presence in the 250-seat parliament. AFP reported that in last year's election, the party secured just 120 seats, resulting in a coalition government. During Sunday's election, the SNS still faced potentially hard-fought municipal races in the capital Belgrade, particularly from the loose coalition of opposition parties and candidates running under the Serbia Against Violence banner. Serbia Against Violence was launched following back-to-back mass shootings in the country this year. The movement garnered mass anti-government protests over several months. Speaking to the news agency, a candidate linked with the movement said, "We call on all political actors in Serbia and the international community not to remain silent in the face of this brutal robbery." Oppn alleges irregularities in poll On Sunday, another movement (Serbia Against Violence) leader Radomir Lazovic alleged numerous irregularities in the election citing "vote buying" and "falsification of signatures". "We may have had the dirtiest electoral process," Lazovic said. AFP reported that posts on social media fuelled rumours that the government allowed unregistered voters from neighbouring Bosnia to cast ballots illegally. However, Ana Brnabic dismissed the claims. (With inputs from agencies)

Serbian parliamentary poll: President Vucic claims his SNS party has won elections

Serbians on Sunday (Dec 17) are voting in the country's parliamentary elections, the tenth such voting exercise&nbsp;since the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict that led to the creation of Republic of Kosovo with partial international recognition.&nbsp;

The voting is taking place&nbsp;six months after mass shootings left the country in shock and sparked protests against pro-Russian President Aleksandar Vucic. The parliamentary and local elections are taking place simultaneously in Serbia.

The early elections were called after President&nbsp;Aleksandar Vucic dissolved the parliament in capital Belgrade in November&nbsp;and called an early election on December 17. The move was widely described as Vucic's bid to&nbsp;cement his authority as he works out how to normalise ties with Kosovo, the main precondition for EU membership.

<h2>Serbia elections 2023: Context and Implications</h2>

President Vucic is not on the ballot in Sunday's parliamentary and local elections. The contest, however, is still being seen as a referendum on his government. &nbsp;

Vucic's populist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has a double-digit lead over the leading opposition coalition, according to a latest poll by Ipsos.

Another pre-election opinion poll by the Nova Srpska Politicka Misao website placed the SNS and its alliance Serbia Must Not Stop in the lead with 39.8 per cent&nbsp;of the vote, followed by Serbia Against Violence alliance at 25.6 per cent and the Socialist Party (SPS) of outgoing Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, a long-time SNS coalition partner, with 8.9 per cent.

<h2>Capital Belgrade remains out of President Vucic's reach so far</h2>

The SNS faces hard-fought municipal races in the capital Belgrade, due to a loose coalition of opposition parties and candidates running under the "Serbia Against Violence" banner.&nbsp;

The 'Serbia Against Violence'&nbsp;movement was formed in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings earlier this year that spurred hundreds of thousands to take to the streets.&nbsp;

The rallies quickly morphed into anti-government protests that lasted months.

"It's not about me leaving power, but about them destroying everything," Vucic&nbsp;told supporters at a recent rally. &nbsp;

"It would take us 20 years to fix everything... That's why we'll beat them more convincingly than ever."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbias-vucic-dissolves-parliament-sets-snap-vote-for-dec-17-653968">Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, sets snap election for Dec 17</a>

As polls opened at 7:00 AM local time (0600 GMT), lines had already formed in the capital Belgrade.

"I came early to support our president, he must continue his work," said Stojan Milenkovic, a 67-year-old retired resident.&nbsp;

However others were hoping that the contest would bring a fresh change to the country's political scene.&nbsp;

"I hope the results will put an end to the devastation of our capital," Milica Pavkov, a 28-year-old cashier, told AFP.

Also watch |&nbsp;Why are tensions on the rise between Serbia &amp; Kosovo? | World at War

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Since the beginning of Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Serbia has become a hub for Russian émigrés and businesses trying to keep a foothold in Europe amid western sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Serbians on Sunday (Dec 17) are voting in the country's parliamentary elections, the tenth such voting exercise since the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict that led to the creation of Republic of Kosovo with partial international recognition.

Serbians on Sunday (Dec 17) are voting in the country's parliamentary elections, the tenth such voting exercise since the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict that led to the creation of Republic of Kosovo with partial international recognition. The voting is taking place six months after mass shootings left the country in shock and sparked protests against pro-Russian President Aleksandar Vucic. The parliamentary and local elections are taking place simultaneously in Serbia. The early elections were called after President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved the parliament in capital Belgrade in November and called an early election on December 17. The move was widely described as Vucic's bid to cement his authority as he works out how to normalise ties with Kosovo, the main precondition for EU membership. Serbia elections 2023: Context and Implications President Vucic is not on the ballot in Sunday's parliamentary and local elections. The contest, however, is still being seen as a referendum on his government. Vucic's populist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has a double-digit lead over the leading opposition coalition, according to a latest poll by Ipsos. Another pre-election opinion poll by the Nova Srpska Politicka Misao website placed the SNS and its alliance Serbia Must Not Stop in the lead with 39.8 per cent of the vote, followed by Serbia Against Violence alliance at 25.6 per cent and the Socialist Party (SPS) of outgoing Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, a long-time SNS coalition partner, with 8.9 per cent. Capital Belgrade remains out of President Vucic's reach so far The SNS faces hard-fought municipal races in the capital Belgrade, due to a loose coalition of opposition parties and candidates running under the "Serbia Against Violence" banner. The 'Serbia Against Violence' movement was formed in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings earlier this year that spurred hundreds of thousands to take to the streets. The rallies quickly morphed into anti-government protests that lasted months. "It's not about me leaving power, but about them destroying everything," Vucic told supporters at a recent rally. "It would take us 20 years to fix everything... That's why we'll beat them more convincingly than ever." Also read | Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, sets snap election for Dec 17 As polls opened at 7:00 AM local time (0600 GMT), lines had already formed in the capital Belgrade. "I came early to support our president, he must continue his work," said Stojan Milenkovic, a 67-year-old retired resident. However others were hoping that the contest would bring a fresh change to the country's political scene. "I hope the results will put an end to the devastation of our capital," Milica Pavkov, a 28-year-old cashier, told AFP. Also watch | Why are tensions on the rise between Serbia & Kosovo? | World at War × Since the beginning of Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Serbia has become a hub for Russian émigrés and businesses trying to keep a foothold in Europe amid western sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Serbia: President Aleksandar Vucic's grip on power goes to test in snap polls

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