by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
BELGRADE, SERBIA (Worthy News) – Tens of thousands of people rallied behind Serbia’s student-led opposition movement in Belgrade on Thursday, a day after police arrested six people suspected of plotting violence against political opponents and police ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary election.
Demonstrators filled the capital’s central Slavija Square and surrounding streets, chanting “Victory” as the student movement mounted its strongest challenge yet to former President Aleksandar Vučić.
The demonstrations came amid growing concerns about whether the upcoming vote will be free and fair. Prosecutors said Wednesday that six suspects were detained, five in the northern city of Novi Sad and one in Belgrade, over alleged preparations for election-day violence. Five were accused of encouraging the violent overthrow of state authorities and recruiting people to attack police and political opponents.
The election follows nearly two years of protests triggered by the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. Demonstrators blamed alleged corruption and negligence, accusations rejected by authorities.
STUDENTS CHALLENGE VUČIĆ
Vučić, who resigned as president in September to seek the premiership, faces the student-backed “Students Win” electoral list, which promises to fight corruption, strengthen democratic institutions and improve media freedom.
A survey published October 20 by New Serbian Political Thought showed the students narrowly ahead of Vučić’s governing electoral coalition, with 44.5 percent against 42.7 percent among decided voters, although the outcome remains uncertain.
International election monitors and the European Union have raised concerns about election fairness, political intimidation and unequal media coverage during the campaign.
Serbian expatriates have also complained that relocated overseas polling stations make voting difficult, although authorities insist the changes reflect logistical and security considerations.
ELECTION FAIRNESS CONCERNS
Vučić, who has dominated Serbian politics since 2014, accuses the student movement of serving foreign interests, allegations its organizers reject.
With both camps predicting victory, Sunday’s election could determine whether Serbia continues under Vučić’s leadership or enters a new political era, amid fears of further unrest if the result is disputed.
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