Serbia nears final vote count: Student List edges past Vučić’s party
Photo: Supporter of the student movement celebrates victory in the parliamentary elections in Serbia (Getty Images)
In the early parliamentary elections in Serbia, the Student List surpassed the political force of former President Aleksandar Vučić by more than 13%. The winners may now secure a majority of seats in parliament, according to data from the Republic Electoral Commission of Serbia.
After counting 98.71% of the ballots, the Student List received 52.64% of the votes. The United Serbia list, formed around Aleksandar Vučić's Serbian Progressive Party, received 39.22%.
The bloc of the Socialist Party of Serbia received 2.17% of the votes. The remaining political forces received less than 1%.
According to the election commission, the Student List won in 22 cities, including Belgrade. United Serbia led in Vranje and Leskovac, as well as in Kosovo and among voters in prisons.
The Student List received the most support in Novi Sad, with 63.2% of the votes. The SNS received 31.59% there. In Pančevo, the Student List received 58.8%, in Zrenjanin 55.53%, and in Vršac 55.5%.
The smallest difference between the two parties was in Kikinda. There, 46.55% of voters voted for the Student List, and 46.11% for the SNS. The margin was only 0.44 percentage points.
The Student List received the most support in Novi Sad, where it garnered 63.2% of the votes, while the SNS received 31.59%. This was followed by Pančevo with 58.8%, Zrenjanin with 55.53%, and Vršac with 55.5% of the votes.
How many seats in parliament the winners might get
As reported by the Serbian public broadcaster RTS, current estimates suggest the Student List could secure 141 seats in parliament. This is sufficient for an independent majority.
Following the completion of electoral procedures, the winners are to form a parliament, elect its leadership, and create a new government.
How Zelenskyy reacted
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Serbia on the victory of the Student List. In a post on the social network X, he called the result a new chapter in the history of the country and its people.
Zelenskyy wished Serbia success, development, and good relations with the European community.
"We in Ukraine thank Serbia for its respect for our people and state, our independence. And we always rejoice in our shared achievements – everything that strengthens our societies and adds opportunities for people," Zelenskyy emphasized.
The president stressed that Ukraine is ready to continue expanding cooperation with Serbia.
Early parliamentary elections in Serbia took place on October 25 against the backdrop of nearly two years of student protests, which began after the death of 16 people due to the collapse of a canopy at the train station in Novi Sad in 2024.
After the vote, Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat for his list and stated that the Student List could secure between 135 and 140 seats in parliament.
