Serbian Students Seek 40 Percent Vote to End 14 Year Ruling

Polls suggest the Student List could win more than 40 percent of the vote in Sunday's Serbian parliamentary election. This projection marks the most competitive outcome for the opposition in the 14 years since the Serbian Progressive Party, known as SNS, took power. The election is viewed by analysts as a decisive test for the government led by former President Aleksandar Vucic.

Thousands of supporters gathered in Belgrade on Thursday evening for the Student List's final rally. Many participants had walked for days from various regions of the country to reach the capital. Arsa Stojanovic, a biology student and organizer, told the crowd that the walkers visited villages and neighborhoods across Serbia. He said the group learned they could count on the people during their journey. The evening concluded with a traditional circle dance.

The student movement emerged from protests following the collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024. That disaster killed 16 people and became a symbol of institutional failure. The students frame the election as an opportunity to address corruption and demand accountability. They have attempted to bridge ideological and foreign policy divides that traditionally shape Serbian politics.

The SNS held its own closing rally a few kilometers away. The party argued that its continued rule ensures stability and prosperity. It warned that a change in government could lead to chaos. Vucic told supporters that opponents had attacked the party with billions of euros on foreign orders. He described the election as a battle for Serbia's sovereignty.

The independent monitoring group CRTA recorded 116 incidents of physical violence or verbal threats during the campaign. These incidents included attacks on campaigners and attempts to seize banners. CRTA also reported that opposition activists faced surveillance and police questioning. The group stated that the campaign was neither free nor fair, noting that almost three-quarters of national television airtime went to government representatives.

Investigative reports have detailed pressure on public-sector employees to support the SNS. Anonymous sources told Deutsche Welle that voters were offered between 30 and 150 euros, and sometimes holiday packages, to vote for the ruling party. The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network published testimony from a former SNS member describing this pressure. Independent media have also reported on links between party associates and criminal networks.

Authorities have warned of potential street violence on election night, claiming students are aided by foreign intelligence services. Several individuals were arrested on suspicion of plotting disturbances. Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic noted that a narrow margin is likely. He added that a close SNS victory would almost certainly be contested, and the Student List has vowed to defend every vote.

The European Union Commission stated that key recommendations on Serbia's electoral framework remain unimplemented. A spokesperson emphasized that democracy and the rule of law are central to Serbia's accession process. Serbia has been an EU candidate country since 2012.