Serbians are casting ballots in a snap parliamentary election on October 25, with 18 political groups in the race but two clear frontrunners. Former president Aleksandar Vučić’s supporters are seeking a victory that could allow him to return as prime minister, while the Students Win list is challenging his political camp. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports this on Sunday, October 25.

Queues formed outside polling stations early in the day. According to official figures, turnout had reached about 25 percent by noon, substantially higher than at elections in previous years.

The student-backed slate emerged from demonstrations that began after 16 people were killed in the December 2024 collapse of a structure at Novi Sad railway station. Protesters have blamed corruption and demanded the removal of Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party from power.

Vučić’s allies accuse the students of preparing a foreign-funded “color revolution,” while Vučić says his rivals would impose sanctions on Russia if elected. The student movement has made no such pledge and includes both liberals and nationalists. Cardiologist Ilija Srdanović heads its candidate list, and preliminary results are expected on the evening of October 25.