Serbia voter turnout highest in decades as students oppose longtime leader

Voting ended at 8pm local time on Sunday, with first indications of results expected hours later. The election will determine whether Vucic's SNS, which has governed since 2012, can retain power against a movement born from nationwide anticorruption protests.

The State Election Commission reported the highest turnout since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992, though the higher participation doesn't indicate which side gained support.

Election irregularities reported

Sunday's voting was marked by reports of intimidation and procedural problems. The CRTA watchdog said observers recorded pressure on voters or election workers at almost a third of the 500 polling stations it monitored, including failures to protect ballot secrecy.

By 5pm, CeSID had received about 260 reports of potential irregularities, including ballot photography, group voting and difficulties with identification checks.

Student movement challenges establishment

The election follows nearly two years of student-led protests that began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. Demands for accountability widened into a movement against alleged government corruption and repression.

The Student List – Students Win, fielding candidates from professions including medicine and education, campaigns for stronger institutions and an end to corruption. Some established opposition parties have backed the students rather than field candidates of their own.

Vucic's campaign promises

Vucic resigned as president in September to run for prime minister, promising higher pensions, public-sector wages and investment. Supporters credit his rule with modernizing Serbia's economy. About six and a half million people were eligible to vote for 250 parliamentary seats, with 18 electoral lists competing.