Vučić Faces Student List in Serbia's Tightest Vote

Analysts expect an extremely close result as Serbia holds parliamentary elections on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Reliable polls are scarce, but the contest pits Aleksandar Vučić, the country's leader since 2012, against a student-driven movement. This is the first time such a group has challenged the established political order in Serbia's short democratic history.

The Student List emerged from almost two years of anti-corruption protests. These demonstrations began after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad. Student assemblies at university faculties selected 250 candidates rather than appointing a single leader. Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist and professor at Novi Sad University, heads the list. He stated, "It is absolutely normal to stand with my students to help them in their fair struggle." The candidate slate includes academics, athletes, economists, and engineers, none of whom have prior political experience. One student, who identified only as Aleksandra, noted, "We've gathered people who are actually the best in their fields."

Vučić has served as deputy prime minister, prime minister, and president since 2012. He called the snap election last month and stepped down as president to run for prime minister. He retains strong support among voters who view him as a defender of national interests. He points to economic growth and infrastructure improvements over the past decade. Vučić has described the student movement as foreign-backed and bent on trying to "bring down our state." He has also warned that close ties with Russia and China could be lost under a Student List government.

The Student List backers argue that Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party dominate state institutions and media. After the 2023 vote, the International Election Observation Mission cited an "overwhelming ruling party advantage" driven by media bias and the misuse of public resources. A pro-government camp has occupied a small park in central Belgrade for 18 months. Its residents have repeatedly attacked journalists, a situation Vučić called "a symbol of resistance."

The Novi Sad disaster remains Vučić's biggest vulnerability. The station renovation was part of his flagship Belgrade to Budapest high-speed rail project. Magda Anastasijevic, an Eastern Europe analyst at ACLED, said Vučić had survived past crises by finding a scapegoat. She added, "This was not the case for the canopy." Foreign policy has also entered the campaign, with Serbia continuing EU membership talks while maintaining close ties with Russia and China.

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 now must choose between a single strong leader and a collective approach.