Aleksandar Vucic returns as Serbia votes

Aleksandar Vucic returns as Serbia votes

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Around 6.45 million registered voters head to the polls in Serbia on Sunday for a snap parliamentary election. The vote determines the allocation of 250 National Assembly seats and follows months of student-led protests and the late September resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic.

According to the Republic Electoral Commission, 6,450,523 registered voters are to elect 250 members of the National Assembly across 8,392 polling stations. Voters across Serbia are casting ballots on Sunday.

Serbian Progressive Party Seeks Return to Power

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) enters the vote competing under the electoral list Aleksandar Vucic – United Serbia. Vucic stepped down from the presidency in late September ahead of the vote, triggering an early presidential election that must be held within three months under Serbian law. Having served two presidential terms, Vucic is constitutionally barred from seeking a third and is instead running to return to government as prime minister.

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The SNS has anchored its campaign in its record since becoming the dominant force in governing coalitions in 2012, emphasizing political stability, infrastructure development, economic growth, and continued investment. Local media reported Wednesday that Serbia sent a protest note to Croatia over alleged interference in domestic political affairs and the election campaign.

Student Protesters and Opposition Blocs Challenge Government

A central challenger is the student-backed list “Students Win,” which emerged from the protest movement following the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. The movement demands accountability, the rule of law, institutional reforms, and investigations into the disaster. The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), led by Ivica Dacic, campaigns on social protections and the role of the state in economic policy. Dacic has opposed recognizing Kosovo’s independence, imposing sanctions on Russia, and joining NATO.

The European Serbia coalition—associated with opposition figures Marinika Tepic and Zdravko Ponos—champions EU membership, independent courts, and anti-corruption measures. The coalition has pledged not to support any government led by the SNS or its partners.

At the same time, the Authentic Right bloc is led by Milos Jovanovic.

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The Authentic Right bloc offers a nationalist alternative that supports cooperation with the European Union while opposing full membership and calling for a public referendum.

Polling Stations Open for National Assembly Vote

Polling stations are scheduled to open at 7 a.m.

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Polling stations are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. local time, with arrangements established for voting abroad, in prisons, and across 60 designated polling stations in four Serbian municipalities for voters registered in Kosovo. To secure seats in the National Assembly, most electoral lists must clear a 3% threshold of valid votes, though lists representing national minorities are exempt.

Securing control of the next government requires a majority of at least 126 seats in parliament.

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The election results will ultimately decide Serbia’s approach to European Union integration.

The election results will ultimately decide its relations with Russia and China.

The election results will ultimately decide how the country handles the unresolved issue of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence.

An early presidential election must be held within three months under Serbian law.

More on this story: Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic Resigns to Run for Prime Minister

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