Student List wins clear majority in preliminary Serbian election result
The student-backed list takes more than 52 per cent of the vote, according to preliminary official figures.
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The student-backed list is heading for a clear victory in Serbia’s parliamentary elections, according to the preliminary result. The electoral commission said the list received 52.65 per cent of the vote, compared with 39.22 per cent for the alliance around President Aleksandar Vučić.
Serbia’s electoral commission, RIK, published figures on Monday based on 8,135 of the 8,392 polling stations. The Student List had 2,246,423 votes at that stage. The Aleksandar Vučić–United Serbia alliance received 1,673,241 votes.
According to Reuters, Vučić acknowledged on Sunday evening that his party had lost. Reuters said the student movement could consequently count on about 139 seats in the 250-seat parliament, enough for an outright majority.
The victory follows two years of protests against the government. The movement emerged from student protests and presented itself as an alternative to the established parties. Its programme focuses mainly on the rule of law, combating corruption and reforming state institutions.
The new balance of power does not yet mean that the formation of a government has been settled. It is still unclear who will become prime minister and whether the Student List wants to work with minority parties. It also remains to be seen how the movement plans to form a stable government.
The result is relevant to the European Union because Serbia is a candidate country and has for years been balancing closer ties with Brussels against relations with Russia and China. It is not known whether Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated the Student List or linked European support for reforms to the result.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The student-backed list won the election, according to preliminary official figures.
- The alliance around Aleksandar Vučić lost, and Vučić acknowledged the defeat.
- The new list still has to form a government.
- Serbia is a candidate country for membership of the European Union.
Left
Arguments The result can be seen as a reckoning with long-standing concentrations of power, corruption and limited media freedom. The new government should therefore move quickly to strengthen institutions and make public power less party-political.
Values Equality before the law, democratic oversight, social justice and the protection of civil rights.
Consequences Rapid reforms could restore trust, but a broad protest movement may become internally divided once concrete cuts, appointments and economic choices are required.
Centre
Arguments The priority is an orderly transfer of power, a workable coalition and reforms that can be monitored. European integration requires not only political change, but also administrative continuity and practical implementation.
Values Institutional stability, legal certainty and gradual reform.
Consequences A moderate course could limit tensions, but may disappoint voters who expect a sharp break with the old system.
Right
Arguments The result should not automatically be read as a mandate for rapid ideological or geopolitical shifts. The new authorities must first show that they can safeguard security, national interests and administrative effectiveness.
Values National sovereignty, order, continuity and caution towards foreign influence.
Consequences A cautious course could preserve stability, but may clash with expectations of tougher action against corruption and closer cooperation with the EU.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The key figures and the political transition have been confirmed by Serbia’s electoral commission and Reuters. The implications for forming a government have been presented as uncertain and future-oriented.
- confirmed The Student List received 52.65 per cent of the vote, according to the preliminary RIK figures. — Mentioned in the Serbian government’s publication containing the latest RIK data. source
- confirmed The alliance around Aleksandar Vučić received 39.22 per cent. — Mentioned in the same RIK publication. source
- confirmed Vučić acknowledged the defeat. — Reuters reports that Vučić acknowledged the loss of his list on Sunday evening. source
- confirmed The Student List could win about 139 seats. — Reuters cites this preliminary seat projection. source
Editor's note
The preliminary result and Vučić’s defeat have been confirmed by the electoral commission and Reuters. The seat distribution and implications for forming a government remain partly provisional.Sources
- Latest RIK data: Student List wins 52.65%, United Serbia 39.22% of vote — Regering van Servië
- After Vucic defeat, Serbia waits to see how student-backed leaders will govern — Reuters via Investing.com