BALKAN CRISIS: MILOSEVIC'S SERBIAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005451494
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: June 24, 2015
• Document Release Date: August 25, 2010
• Case Number: F-2009-00733
• Publication Date: December 10, 1992

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10 DeDeceeinber 1992
 BALKAN CRISIS: Milosevic's Serbian Election Campaign
Serbian President Avlilosevie is intensifying efforts to manipulate the
election process and to short-circuit the opposition's campaign. F-
among Serbian nationalists-to run under that nickname.
most part has kept the opposition divided and off-balance. Serbian
electoral authorities refused to drop Vuk Draskovic-initially the
main opposition candidate-from the ballot, even though he
endorsed Panic and withdrew. They also refused to allow the
infamous "Captain Dragan"-a competitor for Milosevic's support
Although the Serbian Supreme Court yesterday gave final approval to
Yugoslav Prime Minister Panic's presidential bid, Milosevic for the
advertisements in print and on radio
The opposition also has complained about manipulation of the
media, particularly television. Opposition parties, nevertheless, are
conducting a vigorous campaign, with frequent rallies and numerous
early and often.
Comment: On the surface, the opposition still has the ability to
conduct a credible campaign, but Milosevic has stacked the deck
while avoiding blatantly unconstitutional acts. Serbian authorities
probably believe their media campaign against Panic and their
control of voter rolls will ensure Milosevic's reelection and the
Socialist Party's continued dominance in Serbia. Milosevic almost
certainly would take further steps, however, if he believed the
opposition were headed for an upset victory. Refugee voters, in
particular, could skew the outcome if they were encouraged to vote
December
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