Milica Vuković, a member of the society’s management board and campaign activist, said the decision to contest the elections stemmed from a desire to promote a model of action that would strengthen unity within the Croatian community in Serbia.
She said the initiative was prompted by divisions within the community and growing public dissatisfaction, adding that its members did not wish to align themselves with any of the opposing factions among Croats in Serbia.
The campaign highlights the experience of the Tavankut association, which says it has long fostered community cohesion and participation through cultural events, projects and work with different generations.
Since March, the association has used social media to present its activities, achievements and vision for the future work of the HNV.
The “Matija Gubec“ society, based in Tavankut near Subotica, has for decades been one of the key institutions preserving the identity of Bunjevci Croats in the Bačka region through folklore, music, drama and arts programmes, as well as activities aimed at passing traditions on to younger generations.
The terms of office of the current Croatian National Council members expire at the end of this year. The council is the representative body of the Croatian minority in Serbia in the fields of culture, education, information and official language use.
Elections for the new 23-member council are due to be held later this year. Besides the Tavankut association, the Croatian National Vision movement and the “Sombor for the HNV“ initiative have also announced their participation.