Student List topples Vucic after snap vote; who will be prime minister is unclear

The Student List — led by cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic — claimed a decisive victory in Serbia's snap parliamentary elections, unseating Aleksandar Vucic after 14 years in power and triggering scenes of celebration across Serbian cities.

Clear margin in results, but the shape of the next government remains uncertain

Exit polls and early official returns showed a wide gap: with around 92% of ballots counted the Student List had 51.71% (1,991,553 votes) while the Vucic-led United Serbia list polled 39.85% (1,534,792 votes). Longtime Vucic ally Ivica Dacic received just 2.24% and failed to pass the threshold for parliamentary seats. Turnout was unusually high at 69.3%.

On the streets, relief and jubilation followed Vucic's early concession. In a short statement he said, "It is clear that we lost these elections, the Student List has won." The Student List is expected to take about 140 seats in the new parliament, compared with roughly 103 for Vucic's camp; only four minority lists crossed the threshold to enter the legislature.

At the Student List headquarters, its lead candidate Ilija Srdanovic told supporters: "This will be a free country, we have freed Serbia from tyranny." Professor Radomir Sajcic, speaking there as well, urged a rapid start on reforms: "Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we build the future. No obstacle was greater than our will. No force can forever hold down a people that has decided to take its fate into its own hands."

European leaders were quick to congratulate the victors. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "We are ready to work together to advance Serbia's future in the European Union."

Analysts note the Student List's profile is unusual for a governing force: its 250-candidate slate mixes university professors, athletes, actors and farmers and contains few experienced politicians. That raises immediate questions about who will serve as prime minister and who will be charged with implementing the Students' domestic agenda of anti-corruption measures and education reform.

"The biggest uncertainty is who will lead the government, who the key ministers will be and how they will work to fulfil the promises made on fighting corruption, restoring the rule of law and resetting Serbia's foreign policy position," said Radivoje Grujic, an election consultant based in Warsaw.

Photo: AP)