BELGRADE, October 26, 2026. Serbia has entered a major political transition after a student backed opposition movement won Sunday’s snap parliamentary election, ending more than a decade of dominance by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and prompting longtime political leader Aleksandar Vučić to concede defeat. Preliminary results released by the Republic Electoral Commission on Monday showed that the Student List secured 52.65 percent of the vote, compared with 39.22 percent for the Vučić backed United Serbia alliance. The result followed nearly two years of student led demonstrations demanding accountability, stronger democratic institutions and action against alleged corruption. Thousands of supporters gathered across Belgrade and other cities to celebrate a victory that has transformed the country’s political landscape.
According to figures published by the Republic Electoral Commission, the Student List received 2,246,423 votes from 8,135 polling stations, while the United Serbia alliance won 1,673,241 votes. The list associated with Ivica Dačić obtained 92,532 votes, representing 2.17 percent, while other competing lists received smaller shares. The commission reported that approximately 4.21 million citizens participated, representing a turnout of 68.78 percent. Preliminary parliamentary projections indicated that the student backed movement would control approximately 139 of the 250 seats in the National Assembly, giving it the majority required to form a government without relying on the defeated ruling alliance. Final seat allocations remain subject to the completion of electoral procedures.
Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged defeat after preliminary results showed a parliamentary majority for the student backed movement.
Vučić acknowledged the outcome during a televised address on Sunday evening, saying the available voting projections showed that his political alliance had lost the election. He estimated that the Student List would secure between 135 and 140 parliamentary seats, while his supporters would obtain a substantially smaller number. His concession marked a significant development for a political establishment that had dominated Serbian government since 2012. Vučić served as prime minister from 2014 before becoming president in 2017, building a political system in which his party exercised considerable influence over government institutions. His acknowledgement of defeat reduced immediate uncertainty about whether the outgoing political leadership would recognise the electoral outcome.
The student movement’s victory followed a campaign that focused heavily on corruption allegations, institutional transparency, education and accountability for government decisions. Its representatives argued that Serbia needed stronger independent institutions and a political system less dependent on individual leaders and entrenched party structures. The movement attracted support from university students, academics, professionals and other citizens who had participated in or supported demonstrations over the previous two years. Unlike conventional political parties, it organised around a broad coalition of candidates and supporters rather than a single dominant political figure. That structure helped distinguish its campaign, although it has also raised questions about how leadership responsibilities will be distributed within the incoming administration.
Student demonstrations began after the 2024 Novi Sad railway station disaster and developed into a broader campaign for political accountability.
The movement emerged following the collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, a tragedy that ultimately killed 16 people. The disaster generated public anger over alleged corruption, construction oversight and the accountability of officials responsible for infrastructure projects. Students organised demonstrations demanding the publication of relevant documents and independent investigations into the incident. The protests gradually expanded into nationwide gatherings calling for broader political reform. What began as a response to a deadly infrastructure failure eventually developed into a movement capable of challenging the governing party through a national election, providing the historical foundation for Sunday’s result.
Celebrations began shortly after Vučić conceded defeat, with supporters gathering in Belgrade’s streets carrying Serbian flags, singing and applauding the election outcome. University professor Radomir Šajčić, speaking on behalf of the student movement, welcomed the result and emphasised the responsibilities awaiting the incoming administration. Supporters described the election as an opportunity to improve public accountability and strengthen democratic institutions. However, the celebrations were accompanied by uncertainty about the composition of the future government. The movement has not yet publicly confirmed its choice of prime minister, and questions remain about the allocation of cabinet positions and the detailed policy programme it intends to pursue.
Student List candidates and campaign supporters celebrate after the announcement of Serbia’s parliamentary election results.
International reaction to the election has been significant, particularly within the European Union, where officials have welcomed the result and offered assistance with democratic reforms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa congratulated the Student List and expressed readiness to support improvements in the rule of law, media freedom, anticorruption measures and democratic institutions. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also welcomed the high voter turnout and indicated that Serbia could make progress towards closer European integration. The statements suggest that Brussels sees an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Belgrade, although future progress will depend on the policies adopted by the incoming administration and its ability to meet existing membership requirements.
Despite the election victory, the student backed movement faces substantial challenges as it prepares to assume responsibility for government. Its leadership must select a prime minister, establish a cabinet and develop policies addressing economic growth, public finances, education, corruption and institutional reform. Prominent individuals associated with the movement include cardiologist Ilija Srđanović, former central bank governor Dejan Šoškić and university professor Radomir Šajčić, but no definitive government leadership arrangement has been announced. The movement’s diverse membership may also create disagreements over policy priorities and decision making. Meanwhile, the defeated Serbian Progressive Party has rejected allegations of systemic corruption and repression and is preparing for a new role in opposition.
Serbia’s National Assembly in Belgrade, where the newly elected parliamentary majority will face the task of forming a government.
The political transition could have wider consequences for Serbia’s relations with the European Union, Russia, China and neighbouring Balkan countries. Serbia has pursued European Union membership while maintaining close political and economic relationships with Moscow and Beijing. Its position on Kosovo, regional security and international sanctions has also complicated relations with Western governments. The incoming administration will need to decide how to approach these longstanding foreign policy issues while responding to expectations for stronger domestic governance. European officials have expressed willingness to cooperate with the new leadership, while Russian representatives have acknowledged the election outcome and expressed hope that bilateral relations will continue. These differing reactions underline the international importance of Serbia’s political direction.
As of October 26, 2026, the Student List has secured a clear parliamentary election victory, with preliminary official results giving it more than 52 percent of the vote and a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Vučić has conceded defeat, while the process of establishing a new government remains incomplete. The incoming leadership must now move from electoral campaigning to governing, develop a workable legislative programme and respond to public expectations concerning transparency, economic stability and institutional accountability. The election has ended a prolonged period of political dominance by the Serbian Progressive Party, but its lasting significance will depend on how the transition is managed and whether the new administration can translate its electoral mandate into effective government and sustainable democratic reforms.
