Serbia faces a pivotal snap parliamentary election on Sunday, October 25, described by observers as a referendum-like vote. The election pits the long-term rule of strongman Aleksandar Vucic against a burgeoning student-led challenge. Approximately 150,000 supporters of the opposition student movement rallied in central Belgrade on Thursday, seeking to oust Vucic’s rightwing populist Serbian Progressive party (SNS).
The opposition is led by the Student List, a leaderless movement of student-backed candidates. This grassroots movement grew out of two years of protests, including those sparked by a deadly train station incident. The movement aims to end more than 14 years of government by Vucic and loosen his grip on power.
As the vote approaches, concerns have arisen regarding allegations of electoral irregularities and the potential for a post-election crisis. Meanwhile, President Vucic is mimicking the plan of his ally Vladimir Putin to extend his hold on power by seeking to swap the presidency for the position of prime minister.