Student List Rallies in Belgrade Ahead of Serbia's Uncertain Parliamentary Vote

Thousands of supporters converged on Belgrade on Thursday evening for the final rally of the Student List, the political vehicle for the student movement that has challenged the government for nearly two years. The event marks the culmination of a campaign characterized by long-distance walks and a push to unify voters across ideological lines.

The Student List presents Sunday's parliamentary election as a direct test of accountability following the collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, an incident that killed 16 people. Movement leaders argue that the disaster exposed deep institutional failures and corruption within the state apparatus. Arsa Stojanovic, a biology student, told the crowd that participants had traversed the entire country, visiting villages to confirm widespread public support for their cause.

Aleksandar Cupic, a professor of transport engineering and a candidate for the Student List, described the atmosphere at the rally as smelling like freedom. The evening concluded with a kolo, a traditional circle dance, symbolizing unity and peaceful resolve. Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic noted that this is the first truly competitive election since Aleksandar Vucic assumed power in 2012. He cited polls indicating the Student List could secure more than 40% of the vote, a level of support that suggests a decisive shift in Serbian politics.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party held its own closing rally nearby, offering a contrasting message of stability and continuity. Former President Vucic warned that opponents had attempted to destroy the country on foreign orders and had attacked the party with billions of euros. The SNS frames the election as a fight for sovereignty, accusing rivals of serving external interests rather than domestic needs.

Tensions have risen due to a campaign marked by frequent incidents of violence. The independent monitoring group CRTA recorded 116 instances of physical violence or verbal threats during the final week. These included attacks on campaigners and attempts to seize banners. CRTA also reported that opposition activists faced surveillance and police questioning, with authorities often slow to protect Student List supporters.

The group further stated that the campaign lacked fairness, noting that nearly three-quarters of national television airtime went to government representatives. More than 80% of coverage regarding the Student List was negative. Additional scrutiny has focused on alleged vote-buying, with anonymous sources claiming voters were offered between €30 and €150 or family holiday packages to support the SNS. The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network also published testimony describing pressure on public-sector employees to deliver votes.

Authorities have warned of potential street violence on election night, citing plots allegedly aided by foreign intelligence. Several individuals have been arrested on suspicion of organizing disturbances. Spasojevic suggested that a decisive victory for either side would be ideal, but polls point to a narrow margin. He added that a slight SNS win would likely be contested, as the movement has vowed to defend every vote.

The European Union has emphasized that democracy and the rule of law are central to Serbia's accession process, with the country holding candidate status since 2012. An EU Commission spokesperson noted that key recommendations on the electoral framework remain unimplemented. The bloc's response to the results is expected to play a major role in preventing post-election escalation.