On Saturday 31 July, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia once more opened its doors to members of the public wishing to sit in deputies’ seats, talk to the Chairman of the National Assembly and deputies, and see the “Assembly chambers”.

Three groups of visitors were met by the Chairman of the National Assembly, Predrag Markovic, who spent thirty minutes talking to each group. The ceremonial hall was the venue for the relaxed conversation, with Mr Markovic patiently listening to all observations, issues and suggestions that members of the public wished to share with him. Mr Markovic shared the “discovery” he made last month - the existence of another ceremonial hall, the “yellow hall”, in the Assembly building.

After talking to the Chairman, the visitors toured the National Assembly building, attending a presentation about the work of the National Assembly in the plenary hall. This was another occasion for members of the public to sit in deputies’ seats, “prove” their presence by entering temporary deputies’ identification cards into the electronic voting system, and cast their votes.

Members of the public talked to deputies in the lobby outside the plenary hall. All groups ended their visit with refreshments in the Assembly restaurant.

All visitors received a brochure detailing the work of the National Assembly as a souvenir of the Open Door Day.

As part of the Open Door Programme, realised with the support of OSCE, members of the public can visit the National Assembly every last Saturday of a month, having previously arranged their visit by phoning 36-11-476.