Serbia holds snap election: Former president Vučić vies for PM’s post
Photo: Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić (Getty Images)
Early parliamentary elections are being held in Serbia on October 25. Former President Aleksandar Vučić is seeking to become prime minister, while students who have led the protest movement are demanding a crackdown on corruption and changes in the country, Reuters reports.
The snap election, called by Vučić in September, is taking place after nearly two years of student protests. They began following a tragedy at the railway station in the city of Novi Sad in 2024, when 16 people were killed in the collapse of a canopy. The demonstrations later grew into a large-scale movement against corruption and the country’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
On election day, long queues formed outside polling stations in Serbian cities and towns. According to polling organization CeSID and research firm Ipsos, voter turnout stood at 27.3% as of 11:00 a.m. By comparison, 15.1% of voters had cast their ballots by the same time during the 2023 parliamentary elections.
Vučić himself also had to wait a long time before casting his vote, spending nearly two hours in the queue. Polling stations are due to close at 8:00 p.m. local time, with the first preliminary results expected approximately two hours after voting ends.
Who is vying for power
Vučić left the presidency after serving two terms to once again seek the position of prime minister. He remains an influential figure in Serbian politics, and his supporters credit him with modernizing the country’s economy.
During his time in power, Serbia built new highways, railways, schools, and hospitals. Vučić has also pledged to increase pensions and public-sector salaries and invest in the healthcare system.
In foreign policy, he maintains ties with China and Russia, while Serbia continues to pursue EU membership.
The student movement has focused on fighting corruption and improving education. Its electoral list includes 250 candidates, among them teachers, actors, and farmers. The list is headed by cardiologist Ilija Srdanović. However, it remains unclear who would become prime minister if the movement wins.
Polls predicted a close race. Vučić said he would accept the election results. Meanwhile, observers reported possible irregularities involving voter lists and ballot secrecy.
Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party deny allegations of corruption, repression, and surveillance of opponents.
On September 9, Aleksandar Vučić dissolved the Serbian parliament and called snap elections for October 25.
The decision came amid prolonged anti-government protests that erupted after 16 people were killed when a canopy collapsed at the railway station in Novi Sad in 2024.
On September 27, Vučić announced his resignation as president, explaining that he wanted to take part in the parliamentary elections as an ordinary citizen.
