Election commission reports a 65% turnout, citing allegations of intimidation, violence and voting irregularities.
25 Oct 2026
Polls have closed in Serbia’s snap parliamentary election, marking the highest voter turnout in decades, as a student-backed movement aims to unseat longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic.
Voting concluded at 8 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT) on Sunday, with initial result projections expected a few hours later.
The vote will decide whether Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), in power since 2012, can maintain its authority against a movement sparked by nationwide anti‑corruption protests.
The State Election Commission reported a 64.9 % turnout by 17:00 GMT, the highest level recorded since Yugoslavia’s breakup in 1992.
The increased turnout does not indicate which political camp gained support.
University of Belgrade researcher Jelena Vasiljevic told Al Jazeera that the SNS enjoys a dependable voter base, whereas the student movement must persuade citizens who typically abstain from voting.
Sunday’s voting was also marked by reports of intimidation and procedural difficulties.
The Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA), an independent election watchdog, reported that its observers noted pressure on voters or election staff at nearly one‑third of the 500 polling stations it monitored.
It also documented failures to safeguard ballot secrecy.
By 5 p.m. (16:00 GMT), the Centre for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) had received roughly 260 reports of possible irregularities, such as ballot photography, group voting and identification check challenges.
Pressure from a Student‑Led Movement
In Belgrade, police equipped with riot helmets and shields positioned near the election commission’s headquarters, where roads were closed and barricades erected.
City prosecutors appealed on Sunday to all parties involved in the election to refrain from violence.
The election follows nearly two years of student‑led protests that began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, resulting in 16 fatalities.
Demands for accountability expanded into a broader movement criticizing alleged government corruption and repression; Vucic and the SNS deny these accusations.
The Student List – Students Win, formed from the demonstrations, is fielding candidates from professional backgrounds such as medicine and education, many of whom lack prior political experience.
The movement advocates stronger institutions and an end to corruption.
Several established opposition parties have endorsed the students instead of fielding their own candidates.
Vucic resigned as president in September to pursue the premiership, pledging higher pensions, increased public‑sector wages and greater investment.
Supporters credit his tenure with modernising Serbia’s economy.
Approximately 6.5 million eligible voters were able to vote for 250 parliamentary seats, with 18 electoral lists contesting; a majority of 126 seats is required to form a government.
