Serbia’s Students Give Democracy Another Chance

Democracy International, an accredited international election observer, welcomes the historic victory of Serbia's student-backed movement in Sunday's parliamentary elections as a democratic breakthrough and an opportunity to restore the rule of law, rebuild public trust, and renew Serbia's European future. It calls on all Serbian democratic actors to work together towards this path. 

After nearly two years of student-led protests against corruption and democratic backsliding, Serbian citizens have voted for political change. Preliminary projections indicate that the student-backed electoral list secured approximately 53% of the vote and a majority in Serbia's 250-seat National Assembly, ending more than a decade of rule by Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The election saw exceptionally high voter participation, with turnout approaching 70%. Vučić has acknowledged defeat, opening the way for a historic political transition.

The student movement emerged following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which killed 16 people and triggered nationwide demands for accountability. What began as student protests developed into a broad, decentralised movement bringing together citizens across generations, regions, and political backgrounds. Through student plenums, where decisions were made collectively and democratically, the movement also put into practice the democratic principles it was demanding from those in power.

Democracy International was present in Serbia during the elections as an international election observer, monitoring the electoral process and meeting with civil society organisations, political actors, and democratic stakeholders.

"Serbia’s elections have shown that citizens can turn political frustration into real democratic change," said Daniela Vancic, Lead European Policy and Advocacy at Democracy International, who observed the elections in Belgrade. "The students achieved something extraordinary. They brought together people from across the political spectrum around a common demand for accountability and democratic change. But democracy is not secured by winning one election alone. The real test begins now, with building independent institutions, protecting media freedom, and ensuring that no future government can concentrate power in the same way."

Despite the historic result, the elections took place against a backdrop of serious concerns about electoral integrity. Independent observers documented voter intimidation, misuse of public resources, pressure on public-sector employees, and violence during the campaign. Democracy International stresses that these findings must be thoroughly investigated and that electoral reforms should be a priority for the incoming government.

A new opportunity for Serbia's European future

The election also presents an opportunity to reinvigorate Serbia's stalled European integration process. Years of democratic backsliding, corruption, and concerns over the rule of law have undermined progress towards EU membership.

Democracy International calls on the European Union to seize this moment by offering clear political support for democratic reforms, stronger cooperation with Serbian civil society, and a credible pathway towards European integration.

At the same time, Serbia's democratic future must be determined by its citizens. The student movement's strength lies in its broad coalition, which transcends traditional political divisions and does not necessarily share a single position on the country's geopolitical orientation.

"The European Union should recognise this moment for what it is: a rare opportunity to support a democratic transformation from within," added Vancic. "Serbian citizens have demonstrated that they are willing to fight for accountable institutions and a government that serves the public rather than itself. Europe must now match that determination with meaningful support, while respecting that Serbia's democratic future belongs to its people."

The victory of Serbia's student movement demonstrates that democratic change remains possible, even in countries where political power has become deeply entrenched. The next chapter will determine whether this historic mobilisation can translate into lasting democratic institutions.