Belgrade: Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic should drop his idea of running for a second term, a senior leader in Serbia’s ruling coalition urged.
Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said his Socialist Party supports Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic for presidency instead and Nikolic should withdraw.
Pro-Russia Nikolic has hinted he could run, even though his own Serbian Progressive Party has overwhelmingly backed Vucic’s candidacy. Serbian media have speculated Nikolic enjoys support from Moscow for his bid.
Although Serbia’s presidency is largely ceremonial, the vote is expected to test popularity of Vucic and his populist coalition against fractured opposition candidates. Ruling parties have expressed confidence he can win more than half of the ballots for a triumph in the first round of voting.
“Vucic ... can secure a swift and doubtless victory,” insisted Dacic. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, says he wants to lead Serbia toward EU membership while also keeping close ties with Russia. He has faced accusations at home of curbing dissent and media freedom.
The formal announcement of the date for two-round presidential vote is expected early next month, but numerous candidates have announced they are running.
