The Political Situation in Serbia

Record Turnout – Expected to Benefit Student Movement

Voter turnout in the Serbian parliamentary election is the highest in 34 years, reports AFP, citing the country’s electoral authority.

The turnout of 64.9 percent is the highest since the dissolution of Yugoslavia.

Several observers suggest that a high turnout is likely to benefit the student movement "Student List," which is challenging President Aleksandar Vučić’s nationalist SNS party, the BBC reports.

An initial indication of which way things are leaning is expected at 21:00, with the results to be presented two hours later. 

Voter Milica: “The first time I’ve felt hope”

Elections are being held in Serbia today, and many voters see this as an opportunity for a historic turning point, reports TT, which spoke with voters in Belgrade.

“I get chills just saying it. It’s the first time I’ve felt hope. People are united—young and old are coming together, wanting to do something collectively,” says Milica, an economist.

She is referring to the student movement “The Student List,” which has gained significant momentum in recent years. This week, 150,000 people gathered at one of their demonstrations against Aleksandar Vučić’s nationalist party, the SNS.

It is difficult to predict the outcome of today’s election. Opinion polls suggest a nail-biter, as the race between the SNS-led governing coalition and The Student List is extremely tight.