The Coverage of the Elections in the Republic of Serb Krajina

The first multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections in Krajina did not receive significant coverage in Belgrade media. The finale of the election campaign in Serbia along with a deeply-rooted belief that these elections are of no importance after all, since it is the Serbian regime which decides on the destiny of Krajina may provide an explanation. It is also believed that the elections were forced and approved by Belgrade as the only way to replace seriously discredited leadership of Goran Hadzic.

In any case, Radio Television Serbia and the Belgrade daily "Vecernje Novosti" (close to the Belgrade regime) made an effort to make it clear that Milan Martic (Interior Minister in RSK and presidential candidate, the main Babic's oponent) was the only favourite of the Serbian Socialists (SPS). During the election race, viewers and readers could get an impression that there was no other candidate apart from Krajina's Interior Minister so that voters could easily give him their confidence by acclamation. Radio Television Serbia followed every Martic's step, his interviews were shown over and over again in special broadcasts. In his election spot he was presented as "the living legend of Krajina" from the front, ready to lay down his life.

However, the first unofficial results have caused a real shock. A report of Krste Bijelic, a journalist of Radio Television Serbia, went on air only at the end of the prime time evening news bulletin. He first reported on shelling of Benkovac, saying that three persons were killed, then listed all artillery weapons the Croat side used and, finally, announced that Milan Babic and his Serbian Democratic Party of Krajina were leading. He also emphasized that these results were unofficial and as such were not final.