Serbia election: Pro-EU Prime Minister Vucic claims victory

Serbia's pro-EU PM Aleksandar Vucic claimed victory in general elections after pollsters' projections showed his Progressive Party won 50% of the votes, the BBC reported Monday.

He said Serbs "again gave us the honour to lead the government".

Vucic called the poll early seeking a mandate to continue with reforms required to join the EU.

The Socialists are in second place with about 13%, while the ultra-nationalist Radical Party - which seeks closer ties with Russia - is third with 7%.

Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj could return to parliament after his recent acquittal of crimes against humanity at the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague.

The Radical Party opposes EU membership.

This is Serbia's third parliamentary election in less than four years.

Source: MENA