STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF
HRH CROWN PRINCE
ALEXANDER

in connection with the forthcoming elections

Cast Your Vote for Change
 
In connection with the elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
scheduled for 24 September 2000, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander
has issued today this important statement:
 
The elections are approaching.   The Crown does not take
part in the electoral campaign, but since it shares the nation’s fate it
is its duty to warn, to encourage and to advise.  All the more so
since the forthcoming elections have the characteristics of a referendum
at which people will have to declare themselves either in favour of change
or, failing that, allow the current regime to continue pursuing the policies
which have led the country to disaster.  This is the key question
now facing the Serbian people and all other citizens of Yugoslavia. 
It is, therefore, the duty of all citizens to go to the polls in the greatest
possible numbers and cast their vote for change.  The regime must
resolutely be told:  No, we can no longer follow the old road!
This applies to all citizens irrespective of party affiliation. 
Even those who have so far voted for the pro-regime parties must understand
that change is inevitable and  their duty is to vote in favour of
a new way of governing the country.   It is necessary that people
be united if further disasters are to be avoided and a better future secured.  
There will be no revenge and there cannot be any since the rule of law
will established as a foundation of future changes.   The rule
of law has to replace the present chaos and lawlessness.  What is
essential is that all citizens now show they are united in their resistance
to evil!
The united democratic opposition has its shortcomings but offers
the only chance of a peaceful, non-violent transformation and of indispensable
radical reforms not only of the regime but also the way the country is
governed.   Despite the regime’s manipulations which prevent
the holding of genuinely free elections, people will have a chance to express
their will and to show their opposition to the regime’s arbitrary rule. 
In spite of all difficulties, objective and subjective, the democratic
opposition has achieved an enviable degree of unity and it is the duty
of all citizens and patriots to give it full support in the forthcoming
elections.    It is a pity it is not yet fully united but
personally I believe that full unity will come.  The regime, which
has built its power on the disunity of its opponents, must be faced at
the elections with the unity of the whole nation.
It is also a pity that the ruling coalition in Montenegro has not
joined the efforts of the united democratic opposition aimed at changing
the regime in Belgrade.   It would be logical if they worked
together since the departure of the regime is in the interest of not only
Serbia but also of Montenegro.   The outcome of the elections
will also have a bearing on the plight of the remaining Serbs in Kosovo
and Metohia, on democracy and human rights as well as on the status of
that Serbian province.   All these are reasons why it is necessary
to vote firmly against the  current regime.
Dear countrymen.   Turn the coming elections into an all-national
referendum which will in a peaceful manner show the regime it does not
enjoy the people’s confidence!  Go to the polls and vote for change,
for a true democracy, the rule of law and economic prosperity.  Only
thus will Serbia and Yugoslavia be able to embark along the path of reconstruction
and progress.   Only thus will we become again respected members
of the international community with all the rights and obligations that
this membership entails.  Only thus we will be able to secure lasting
peace in the region and a better future for us and for our children.
ALEXANDER
London, 29 August 2000

 

1997 HRHCP Aleksandar II
All Rights Reserved