Serbia student bloc takes 46 percent of vote

Voters in Serbia turned to a student-led coalition that captured 46 percent of the parliamentary vote on Tuesday. The result ends the tenure of President Aleksandar Vučić, who has led the country for 11 years. The coalition, known as the List of Mladan Dinkić, secured the highest share of the ballot in the snap election.

The List of Mladan Dinkić emerged from mass protests that began in late 2024. Students and other demonstrators gathered to demand accountability for the 2023 Belgrade air crash, which killed 15 people. The movement grew into a political force that challenged Vučić’s dominant Social Democratic Party. The coalition’s platform focused on judicial reform, anti-corruption measures, and greater transparency in government spending.

Vučić acknowledged the outcome in a statement issued on Tuesday evening. He said he would cooperate with the new leadership to ensure a smooth transition of power. The president thanked voters for participating in the process. He did not specify the exact timeline for his departure but confirmed the handover would follow constitutional procedures.

Supporters of the List of Mladan Dinkić gathered in Belgrade’s Republic Square after the final tallies were released. They sang national anthems and chanted slogans demanding change. The crowd included students, workers, and families who had joined the protests over the past two years. Organizers said the turnout exceeded 60 percent of registered voters, the highest since 2016.

The next step in the political process is the formation of a new government. The president of Serbia has seven days to appoint a prime minister candidate. That candidate then has 30 days to secure a majority vote in the National Assembly. The assembly currently holds 250 seats, and the student bloc won 127 of them. They must negotiate with smaller parties to reach the 126-seat threshold for a stable majority.

Observers note that the shift in power marks the first time a protest-born coalition has controlled the Serbian parliament. The new leadership faces immediate pressure to implement its campaign promises. The first session of the new National Assembly is scheduled for November 10, 2026.