Huge support for Yugoslav poll favourite

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NOVI SAD, Yugoslavia -- More than 20,000 people turned out to cheer the Yugoslav opposition candidate that opinion polls give the best chance of defeating President Slobodan Milosevic.

Vojislav Kostunica, a moderate nationalist representing the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) bloc, told the crowds in the Vojvodina provincial capital the time was ripe for change.

MESSAGE BOARD Peace in the Balkans

But he warned that Milosevic would not relinquish power easily in the September 24 presidential election, which coincides with parliamentary and local polls.

"Travelling across Serbia in the election campaign I have seen so much pure energy for change like never before... and thanks to your great belief in change we shall win," Kostunica said, adding that their victory might be disputed.

"They are bullies, liars and thieves and have stolen years of our lives, our property and our dignity. They have tarnished our reputation and now they are preparing to steal the elections," Kostunica said.

His remarks followed President Slobodan Milosevic's crack down on opponents with several more arrests of opposition activists.

Three members of the popular, anti-Milosevic student group, Otpor, were arrested in Belgrade for pasting posters urging people to vote against Milosevic.

Two more Otpor activists were arrested but later released in the northern town of Subotica near the border with Hungary, the group's central office said.

He walked to the central square amid loud clapping and handshakes and cries of: "Vojo, Vojo," "He's finished" and "Save us from this madhouse."

The leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia has said he is ready to work with the West and wants to rebuild relations with the rest of Europe. His campaign pledges include restoring Yugoslavia to its rightful place in world bodies, like the United Nations and leading financial institutions.

Opinion polls put Kostunica, 56, well ahead of Milosevic. The latest survey, published on Friday, gave him 40 percent support against 22 percent for Milosevic.

Government officials have dismissed the opinion polls as Western propaganda and predict an overwhelming victory for Milosevic who rose to power 13 years ago and is blamed by the West for a decade of Balkan wars.

Kostunica exuded confidence that the opposition would win. "We have to keep our eyes wide open and prevent theft," he said.

In Novi Sad's main square, supporters waved opposition party flags and election posters. Young people wore tee-shirts emblazoned with a clenched fist -- the sign of the student-based Otpor movement.

Otpor has been branded by the authorities a fascist organisation and its activists are arrested daily by police across Serbia. Seven were beaten last week for pasting posters.

Kostunica called on young people to vote the authorities out of power.

"The youth and Otpor have to serve them a bill on September 24 for all the beatings they have suffered in the past months, to take revenge on them by democratic means with a voting slip and a pencil," he said.

In Belgrade, several thousand people gathered to hear a rock concert organised by G17 Plus, a pro-opposition think tank, under the name: "It's time," meaning time for change.

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Government - Yugoslavia
The Democratic Opposition in Serbia

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