The demonstrators are demanding the annulment of the results of the parliamentary and local elections that took place at the beginning of this month, after accusations of fraud and widespread electoral violations.
Riot police used tear gas and pepper spray against several hundred protesters to prevent them from entering the city's municipal building. So the protesters attacked the front of the building instead. Stones, sticks and eggs were thrown at the building and several windows were smashed.
The country's opposition organized a massive demonstration on Sunday to demand new elections.
President Aleksandar Vucic's party received the largest number of votes in the elections held on December 17. But after opposition protests and criticism from foreign election observers who pointed to widespread fraud in the elections, including vote buying and busing of voters to support the ruling party in local elections, it was decided on Wednesday of this week to hold by-elections. It will be held in 30 places in the country.
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But the opposition is demanding that by-elections be held across the country.
SNS rejects accusations of election fraud.
Vucic himself commented on the demonstration later on Sunday evening. He said that it was an attempt to overthrow the government and that the attempt was directed from abroad. He added that more than 35 people were arrested during the demonstration, adding that more arrests are expected.
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