Serbians cast ballots as student list challenges Vučić in tight race

Serbia held parliamentary elections on Sunday, with analysts predicting an extremely close outcome. The vote pits President Aleksandar Vučić, who has led the country in various capacities since 2012, against a student-driven movement. Reliable polling data is scarce, but the contest marks a sharp break from Serbia's recent political history.

The Student List emerged from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests. These demonstrations began after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad. Rather than selecting a single figurehead, student assemblies at university faculties chose 250 candidates. The slate includes academics, athletes, economists, and engineers, none of whom have prior political experience.

Cardiologist Ilija Srdanović, a professor at Novi Sad University, heads the list. He arrived for an interview on a motorbike wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket with pro-student slogans. Srdanović stated it is normal to stand with his students to help them in their fair struggle. He noted that the movement has no hierarchy and that he is not its leader, nor would he necessarily be the first choice for prime minister if the group won.

Vučić called the snap election last month and stepped down as president to run for prime minister. He retains strong support among citizens who view him as a defender of national interests. He cites economic growth and infrastructure improvements over the past decade. Vučić has described the student movement as foreign-backed and aimed at bringing down the state.

The Student List argues that Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party dominates state institutions and media. An International Election Observation Mission noted an overwhelming ruling party advantage in the 2023 vote, citing media bias and the misuse of public resources. For 18 months, a pro-government camp occupied a small park in central Belgrade, where residents repeatedly attacked journalists. Vučić called the camp a symbol of resistance.

The Novi Sad disaster remains Vučić’s biggest vulnerability. The station renovation was part of his flagship high-speed rail project to Budapest. Magda Anastasijevic, an Eastern Europe analyst at ACLED, said Vučić had previously survived crises by finding scapegoats, but noted this was not the case for the canopy collapse.

Foreign policy issues also entered the campaign. Serbia continues EU membership talks while maintaining close ties with Russia and China. Both countries refuse to recognize Kosovo’s independence. Vučić warned at a rally that those links could be lost under a Student List government, asking if the group would impose sanctions on Russia. Closing rallies highlighted the contrast between the two sides. The ruling party filled Belgrade Arena with Vučić as the sole speaker, while a reported 150,000 people gathered in Slavija Square to hear students and candidates.