Serbia's student-backed opposition movement has won a historic parliamentary election, defeating the political alliance of former President Aleksandar Vučić after nearly two years of demonstrations demanding greater government accountability.
Preliminary results released by Serbia's Republic Electoral Commission on Monday, October 26, showed the Student List securing 52.65% of the vote, compared with 39.22% for the Aleksandar Vučić–United Serbia alliance.
The commission said the figures were based on results from 8,135 polling stations, with voter turnout reaching approximately 68.78%.
Vučić conceded defeat on Sunday evening as projections indicated that the student-backed candidates had secured a parliamentary majority.
The outcome represents a significant political shift in Serbia, where Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party have dominated national politics since 2012.
The election followed sustained demonstrations that began after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people.
The disaster prompted public anger over alleged corruption, institutional failures and government accountability.
What began as student demonstrations subsequently developed into a nationwide political movement attracting support from academics, professionals and other sections of Serbian society.
The movement's electoral list brought together candidates from different professional backgrounds, including university professors, lawyers, farmers and cultural figures.
Thousands of supporters gathered in Belgrade and other Serbian cities on Sunday evening to celebrate the result.
The victory presents the student-backed movement with a new challenge: transforming its campaign against corruption and institutional failures into a functioning government.
Although the election result points towards a change in parliamentary leadership, the formation of a new administration and the implementation of its programme remain ahead.
The outcome has also attracted attention from European leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed the result, while European officials expressed support for reforms involving democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Serbia's relationship with the European Union remains a central issue, alongside its longstanding ties with Russia and unresolved tensions involving Kosovo.
The incoming parliamentary majority will face decisions on economic policy, public institutions and the country's international relationships.
Election observers also reported irregularities during the voting process, including allegations of intimidation and attempted vote-buying. Those allegations require assessment through the relevant electoral and legal procedures.
For Serbia, the election marks the culmination of a prolonged political mobilisation that began with demands for accountability following a deadly infrastructure disaster.
The next test will be whether the movement can translate its electoral victory into effective governance and lasting institutional reforms.
