116 Incidents Recorded as Serbia Approaches Sunday's Uncertain Vote

The parliamentary election scheduled for Sunday in Serbia has been marked by a volatile campaign, with independent monitors recording 116 incidents of physical violence or verbal threats in the final week. The CRTA monitoring group documented these events, which included physical confrontations, attacks on campaigners, and attempts to seize banners. The organization stated that the campaign was neither free nor fair, citing a narrowing of freedoms and deepening inequality. Opposition activists, particularly those linked to the Student List, reported facing surveillance and delayed police protection.

The tension between the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the challenger Student List defines the current political atmosphere. The Student List emerged from a movement that has protested the government for nearly two years. Their campaign finale on Thursday evening in Belgrade drew thousands, including participants who had walked for days from various parts of the country. Biology student Arsa Stojanovic told the crowd that the walkers had traversed the nation and found support in villages and neighborhoods. Aleksandar Cupic, a transport engineering professor and candidate, described the atmosphere as smelling like freedom before the crowd joined a traditional circle dance.

The student movement's origins trace back to November 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station, killing 16 people. The group frames the election as an opportunity to address corruption and demand accountability for the disaster. They have attempted to bridge ideological and foreign-policy divisions that have historically shaped Serbian politics. Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic noted that this is the first competitive election since Aleksandar Vucic took power in 2012. He indicated that polls suggest the Student List could secure more than 40% of the vote.

The SNS held its own closing rally nearby, emphasizing stability and continuity. The party characterized the election as a battle for sovereignty and accused opponents of serving foreign interests. Former President Vucic claimed that rivals had tried to destroy the country on foreign orders and had attacked the party with billions of euros. The campaign has also seen allegations of vote-buying. Anonymous sources reported that voters were offered between €30 and €150, or holiday packages, to support the SNS. The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network published testimony from a former SNS member regarding pressure on public-sector employees to deliver votes.

Media coverage has skewed heavily toward the government. CRTA found that almost three-quarters of national television airtime for political players went to government representatives. More than 80% of coverage regarding the Student List was negative. Authorities have warned of potential street violence on election night, with arrests made on suspicion of plotting disturbances. Spasojevic stated that a decisive win for either side would be ideal, but polls point to a narrow margin that could trigger a post-election crisis. A narrow SNS victory would likely be contested, as the movement has vowed to defend every vote.

The European Union is watching the process closely. An EU Commission spokesperson noted that key recommendations for improving Serbia's electoral framework remain unimplemented. The spokesperson stressed that democracy and the rule of law are central to the accession process. Serbia has held candidate country status since 2012. The international response may play a role in preventing escalation and persuading authorities to accept defeat without a heavy-handed response to protests.