Serbia Votes Sunday in Tight Race

Serbians go to the polls on Sunday, October 25, for parliamentary elections that analysts expect to be extremely close.

The race pits President Aleksandar Vučić, who is running for prime minister, against a student-driven list with no prior political hierarchy.

The Student List emerged from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests that began after 16 people died in a canopy collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad.

University assemblies selected 250 candidates, including academics, athletes, and engineers, none of whom had a previous political background.

Cardiologist Ilija Srdanović heads the list but is not its leader, and a student at Novi Sad University described the slate as people who are the best in their fields.

Vučić has served in top executive roles since 2012 and stepped down as president last month to run for the premiership.

Supporters view him as a strong defender of national interests who oversaw economic growth and infrastructure improvements over the past decade.

He has accused the student movement of being foreign-backed and attempting to bring down the state.

The student list argues that Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party dominate state institutions and media coverage.

An International Election Observation Mission noted in 2023 that an overwhelming ruling party advantage resulted from media bias and misuse of public resources.

A pro-government camp has occupied a small park in central Belgrade for 18 months, with residents repeatedly attacking journalists.

Vučić called the camp a symbol of resistance, while the BBC approached leading party figures for an interview but received no response. The Novi Sad disaster remains a major issue because the station renovation was part of the flagship Belgrade to Budapest high-speed rail project. Magda Anastasijevic, an analyst at ACLED, said Vučić usually survives crises by finding a scapegoat but could not do so for the canopy collapse. Foreign policy issues have also entered the campaign, with Vučić warning that ties with Russia and China could be lost under a student government. He asked at a rally if the group would impose sanctions on Russia. Serbia continues fitful EU membership talks while maintaining close links with Moscow and Beijing. Both Russia and China refuse to recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. The closing rallies highlighted the contrast between the two sides. The ruling party filled Belgrade Arena with Vučić as the only speaker. A reported 150,000 people gathered in Slavija Square to hear students and candidates. Voters must now choose between a single strong leader and a collective approach.