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Serb president loses support as Belgrade protests carry on
December 6, 1996
Web posted at: 11:50 a.m. EST (1650 GMT)BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (CNN) -- Public support for Serbian President Slobodon Milosevic has tumbled since students and opposition leaders began demonstrating against his Socialist government, a magazine poll said Friday.
According to the bimonthly Nin, Milosevic's popularity has fallen nearly 10 percentage points, from 26 to 16.5 percent, in less than three weeks. During that time, demonstrators have taken to the streets of Belgrade to protest what they say is election-rigging by Milosevic's government.
The poll also said opposition leader Zoran Djindjic's popularity has risen from 2 percent to 10 percent.
"For six years, we grew accustomed to defeat, but now that we have tasted victory we are not ready to accept defeat any more," Djindjic told crowds in Belgrade's Republic Square Friday.
A symbolic wall
It was the 19th straight day for protests, in which crowds have swelled to more than 100,000. At one point Friday, students paraded an effigy of Milosevic dressed in prison garb through the city and erected a brick wall outside the federal parliament.
"We are trying to prove that we are building Serbia up, not destroying it like Milosevic," said a student organizer, explaining the wall's symbolism.
The protests were triggered by the decision of Milosevic, a Socialist, and election officials to invalidate the results of November 17 municipal elections, which opposition political parties won in Belgrade and 14 other major cities throughout Yugoslavia. The officials cited unspecified "irregularities" for the annulment.
"When the parade passed the first time, I was so excited that at last people were doing something against the regime," said 82-year-old Olga Radovanovic who lives in downtown Belgrade. "I remember what it was like during the Yugoslav kingdom before the days of the Communists. (Back) then we had something like a democracy, and I want that again."
Both sides appeal ruling
Meanwhile, the Belgrade electoral commission, which is controlled by Milosevic, appealed Thursday for a ruling on whether to restore the validity of the municipal election results. Lawyers representing the three-party opposition coalition that won the election filed an identical appeal.
The court has 48 hours to make a ruling. A court decision in favor of the original election results would give the traditionally weak and divided opposition its first victory against Milosevic.
The appeals would affect results in Belgrade only.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- As protests mount, Serbia's hard line begins to soften - December 5, 1996
- Serbs silence 3rd radio station critical of Milosevic - December 4, 1996
- Independent radio stations silenced in Yugoslavia - December 3, 1996
- U.S. warns Milosevic not to use force against protesters - December 3, 1996
- Anti-Milosevic protesters take to streets despite threats - December 2, 1996
- Belgrade protesters keep up campaign against Milosevic - November 30, 1996
- Students protest on streets of Belgrade - November 29, 1996
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