Student List Triumphs in Serbia, Vučić Concedes Election Defeat

Outgoing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat on October 25, 2026, in the nation's parliamentary elections, acknowledging that the student-led movement, Student List, had won[6][7][9][16]. This outcome ends Vučić's dominant political influence, which spanned over a decade, and was propelled by an exceptionally high voter turnout reaching up to 67.6%[8][14].

This election result signifies a profound rejection of the political model that characterized Serbia for more than ten years[12][14][22]. The victory of the anti-corruption Student List ushers in a new political era, shaped by a grassroots movement and unprecedented public engagement[12][14][22].

The Records Show

Aleksandar Vučić publicly stated his party's loss, projecting that the Student List would secure between 135 and 140 of the 250 seats in the National Assembly[7][9][12]. He estimated his own Serbian Progressive Party would obtain around 105 seats[7]. A majority in the 250-member parliament requires 126 seats[11]. Preliminary reports, including data from Wikipedia as of 22:11 CET on October 25, indicated slightly different figures: 111 seats for the Student List and 125 for Vučić's AV–SNSDS coalition[11][23].

The Election Commission reported that voter turnout reached 65%, with allegations of intimidation, violence, and voting irregularities[1][2][3][4][5][17][18][19]. Another report specified a record turnout of 67.6% by 19:00 local time[8][21]. This level of participation stands significantly higher than previous parliamentary elections, which averaged just above 55% during the rule of Vučić's party[14]. It marks the highest turnout since the mid-2000s or the period following the fall of Slobodan Milošević[14]. Serbia has 6.4 million registered voters[14].

The Timeline

Vučić, a populist right-wing leader, maintained a prominent role in Serbian politics for approximately 12 to 14 years, with his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) holding a dominant position since 2012[6][10][11][12]. The Student List movement, officially known as "Student List – Students Are Winning," emerged from widespread anti-corruption protests[12][13][25]. These protests were ignited by the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, an incident that resulted in 16 deaths and was widely attributed to corruption[13][14][25]. The movement formed as an electoral list on September 9, 2026, the day the election was called[13][25]. Its 250 candidates include academics, professionals, and public figures[15]. Ilija Srdanović was identified as a prominent candidate associated with the Student List[11][23].

What Changed

The victory of the Student List represents a significant political shift in the Balkan nation, moving away from a period of strongman rule[12][14][22]. The movement's campaign focused on combating corruption, directly challenging the existing political establishment[14]. This, combined with the unusually high voter engagement, has culminated in a new political era led by a grassroots, anti-corruption platform[12][14][22].

What Vučić Said

In a statement, outgoing President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat, declaring that the Student List had won a parliamentary majority[7][20]. He stated, "based on the stratified sample, it is clear that we have lost the election," adding that "the Student List has won and will have between 135 and 140 seats, while we will have around 105"[7][20].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the final, official seat count for either the Student List or Vučić's party. While Vučić projected between 135 and 140 seats for the Student List and around 105 for his party, other early reports indicated 111 seats for the Student List and 125 for Vučić's AV–SNSDS coalition[7][11][12].