(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 14 OTT - "The election campaign in Serbia is taking place in a highly polarised context, which may jeopardise the level playing field among candidates," stated the pre-election delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), led by Piero Fassino (PD), at the conclusion of a two-day visit to Belgrade. These elections, held amid a pervasive "referendum-like" atmosphere, are yet another example of a deeply ingrained culture of snap elections that has instrumentalised electoral cycles—a phenomenon that undermines the functioning of democratic institutions and political competition, according to the PACE delegation. The parliamentarians dispatched from Strasbourg reported encountering "hostile and aggressive rhetoric directed at opposition activists, civil society representatives, and journalists," and claimed to have been informed of persistent and credible allegations of surveillance against these groups. "Demonisation and smear campaigns against critical voices have no place in a democratic society and cannot be the response to demands voiced by a dynamic society—demands that have translated into increased mobilisation, growing interest in political engagement, and the emergence of a political alternative for voters," the delegation stated. "In this tense and divisive electoral climate, it is critical to ensure effective election observation at both national and international levels," said the PACE parliamentarians, who urged authorities to allow election observers access to all stages of the electoral process. Finally, the delegation expects the authorities to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the election campaign and on voting day, as well as national security institutions to refrain from using force or imposing undue restrictions on the right to free assembly. (ANSA).