Appointed by Vucic: How the Early Parliamentary Elections in Serbia Are Unfolding

The former head of state scheduled an early election for October. Reuters and Savremena politika have reported on this .

What is known about the election?

Long lines have formed at polling stations across the country, and the current voter turnout is nearly double that of the previous election, which took place in 2023. As of 12:00 p.m., 34.55% of voters had cast their ballots, the Republican Electoral Commission (REC) reported at a press conference. In the previous election, turnout by 12:00 p.m. was 21.33%.

Eighteen political lists were fielded in the election, but the key contest is unfolding between the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the “Student List – Students Win” coalition. Aleksandar Vučić heads his party’s list and, if victorious, plans to assume the office of prime minister.

“It’s very important for everyone to come out and vote if they want to bring about change, and I think now is the time for change,” said attorney Maria Cvitichanin at a polling station in Belgrade.

It should be noted that he has been leading the country for 13 years. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Serbia’s prime minister; from 2017 to 2023, he held the office of president; and now he is once again seeking to become prime minister. During his time in power, the country has maintained warm relations with China and Russia, while simultaneously seeking to join the EU.

Many voters support him for leading Serbia out of economic uncertainty. During his presidency, new highways, railroads, schools, and hospitals were actively built.

“I voted for our children, our youth… our children deserve peace and jobs, and only Vučić can ensure that,” said a supporter of the current government.

For its part, the youth movement has fielded 250 candidates, including university professors, actors, and farmers. They promise to combat corruption and reform the education system. At the same time, they do not place much emphasis on their foreign policy intentions.

Cardiologist Ilija Srdanović heads the list. It is currently unknown who will become prime minister if the opposition wins.

“I hope that today will pass in a democratic atmosphere, in peace, and that we will legally elect a new government in Serbia,” 
said Srdanović.

Mass protests against government institutions erupted following the tragedy in November 2023 in Novi Sad. At that time, 16 people were killed when a canopy collapsed at the train station, sparking a prolonged wave of public outrage.

It should be recalled that students accused the authorities of corruption and demanded accountability for the tragedy. Subsequently, they were supported by a significant portion of the public. The opposition also accused the former president of corruption and ties to organized crime.

Human rights defenders and activists claim that after the demonstrations began, the authorities stepped up pressure on its opponents. Vučić himself and his party deny allegations of corruption, repression, and surveillance of political opponents.

“These are the first elections since Aleksandar Vučić came to power in 2012 that can be called truly competitive and whose outcome remains uncertain,” 
political scientist Dušan Spasović told DW .

He believes that the best-case scenario would be a decisive victory for one of the two opposing camps; otherwise, Serbia faces a “post-election crisis.”