Serbia holds early legislative elections

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Serbia will hold early legislative elections. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by Aleksandar Vučić, faces the polls amid ongoing anti-corruption protests that have lasted for two years.

Vučić steps down to campaign

Vučić, who has been Prime Minister since 2014 and President from 2017 to 2026, resigned on September 27 to focus on the electoral campaign. His goal is to run again for Prime Minister, as the Serbian Constitution prevents him from seeking a third presidential term.

EU accession stalls and governance concerns

Serbia, which has been a candidate for EU accession since 2012, has seen its negotiations stall since 2021. The government has faced criticism for becoming more authoritarian, with setbacks in media freedom, civil society, and rising corruption. Serbia ranks 112th in the world in the V-Dem 2026 democracy index and 104th in media freedom according to Reporters Without Borders.

Anti-corruption protests erupt

Unprecedented anti-corruption demonstrations have taken place in Serbia. The collapse of the Novi Sad station on November 1, 2024, killed 16 people and sparked prolonged protests against systemic corruption. The building was constructed without a tender by a Chinese consortium, and the government has not adequately explained its role in the incident.

Mass protests and police response

On March 15, 2025, nearly 300,000 people gathered in Belgrade, the largest protest since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000. During the demonstration, a muffled noise interrupted a 15-minute silence for the victims of the Novi Sad station, leading to accusations that the police used a sonic or acoustic cannon. President Vučić denied these claims.

Investigation and public backlash

A Serbian government investigation, conducted with Russian intelligence services, concluded no sonic weapon was used, a finding criticized by NGOs like Amnesty International and Kreni-Promeni. Over 595,000 people signed a petition demanding an independent UN investigation into the incident.

Repression and academic crackdown

Serbian authorities initially dismissed the protests as a foreign-backed "color revolution." As unrest grew, unions went on strike, and the government resorted to repression, including mass arrests. Dozens of professors were suspended or fired for supporting the movement, with the government seeking to control higher education institutions.

Surveillance and targeted attacks

Vladan Đokić, rector of the University of Belgrade, was targeted by the Pegasus spyware program for his support of the protests. He was also part of a list of 14 personalities, including Rade Bajić, a prosecutor investigating the transformation of a former Yugoslav army building into a "Trump Tower."

Protesters form electoral list

Faced with an ineffective opposition, protesters formed their own electoral list on September 15, 2026. Led by Ilija Srdanović, a professor and long-time activist, the list includes civil society figures and avoids taking a stance on EU membership or sanctions against Russia. It also supports Serbia’s claim to Kosovo.

International concerns and irregularities

The EU delegation in Serbia expressed concerns on October 13 about risks to journalists and civil society. The OSCE criticized the government for not following recommendations to protect voters. A local NGO, CRTA, called the election "irregular" due to threats to voting rights and illegal surveillance.

High voter turnout abroad

Serbian citizens abroad have registered at a record level, with 102,000 on electoral lists—more than double the previous number. However, the increase in polling stations from 81 to 93 is not enough to accommodate the surge, and voting hours remain aligned with Serbia’s time zones, complicating participation.

Media bias and campaign efforts

According to CRTA, 75% of airtime is dedicated to the ruling party, with Vučić receiving the most coverage. The student list, however, is conducting an extensive field campaign to mobilize voters, despite receiving negative coverage in 87% of media outlets.

Election as a turning point

The election will be a pivotal moment for Serbia, with Vučić representing continuity and the student list symbolizing democratic aspirations. The outcome could have broader implications for the region, shaping Serbia’s political trajectory and its relationship with the West.