Serbians voted on Sunday in a closely contested parliamentary election pitting President Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) against a student-led movement that has challenged his grip on power through nearly two years of anti-government protests.

The vote has become a test of public support for Vucic, whose popularity has been eroded by anger over alleged corruption and the 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy that killed 16 people.

Around 6.4 million eligible voters can choose from 18 parties competing for seats in the 250-member parliament. Polls have shown the main contenders running neck and neck, raising concerns about potential unrest if the result is disputed.

The protests began after the November 2024 disaster in the northern city of Novi Sad. Demonstrators blamed corruption and negligence linked to renovation work at the station and demanded accountability for the deaths.

The Students’ List, backed by university students but featuring candidates from professions including farming, sports and the arts, has sought to attract voters disillusioned with established parties. Its campaign has focused on rebuilding the economy and democratic institutions.

Students have travelled through rural areas, traditionally strongholds of Vucic’s party, to build support for the movement, despite hostile coverage by pro-government media.

Vucic, who resigned as president last month to lead his party’s campaign, has said his side would concede defeat if it lost. He has also warned that protests alleging fraud after an SNS victory would be swiftly suppressed.

The election is being closely watched by the European Union, as Serbia seeks membership of the bloc. International and domestic observers have raised concerns about campaign conditions, citing government influence over the media, detentions and reported surveillance and cyberattacks targeting activists.

Previous elections have also been disputed. The 2023 parliamentary vote was followed by opposition protests over alleged fraud, while local elections earlier this year saw attacks on journalists and activists.

The state election commission is not expected to publish official results before Monday.

Magda Anastasijevic, an Eastern Europe analyst at conflict monitor ACLED, said electoral violence had been increasing in Serbia and could escalate, particularly if the results were contested.(ILKHA)