Vučić's party loses early parliamentary election in Serbia

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), headed by former Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić, was defeated in early parliamentary elections held in Serbia on Sunday. Vučić conceded as he addressed supporters at the party's headquarters. The result means the governing party is losing ground in a country he led for years.

Vučić's statement

Vučić said final results were not yet available, but it was clear the election had been lost. According to him, the Students List won and would receive between 135 and 140 seats, while the SNS would get 105. He said no other list had made it into parliament.

Record turnout

Two hours before polling stations closed, turnout stood at 64.9%. That is the highest figure since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992. Eighteen lists appeared on the ballot, but the main contenders were Vučić's SNS and the "Students Win" list.

Origins of the student movement

The Students List emerged from protests that followed the collapse of a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad, a city in northern Serbia, in November 2024. Sixteen people died. Critics linked the tragedy to corruption and negligence on the part of the government.

After Vučić conceded, crowds spontaneously poured onto the streets of Belgrade to celebrate the Students List victory.

Vučić's exit from the presidency

In late September, Vučić stepped down as president so that he could lead the government if his party won. His second presidential term was due to end in May 2027, and he could not run for a third.