A student-led opposition movement has claimed victory in Serbia's snap parliamentary election, signaling an end to former President Aleksandar Vucic’s extensive political dominance. The Student List secured a decisive win on Sunday, following nearly two years of significant youth-led protests.

These demonstrations initially arose from demands for accountability after 16 people died in a railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in 2024. The movement's focus broadened over time, evolving into a widespread campaign against alleged corruption and the perceived capture of democratic institutions.

The Republic Election Commission announced on Monday that the Student List garnered 52.54 percent of the vote, with over 96 percent of polling stations processed. The United Serbia list, fronted by Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party, trailed with 39.29 percent. Voter turnout reached a notable 68.78 percent, marking a record high in over three decades.

With these results, the Student List is poised to form a parliamentary majority independently, projected to secure 140 of the 250 seats. This surpasses the 126 mandates required for a majority. United Serbia is expected to hold 103 seats, with the remaining seats distributed among smaller parties.

A key point of uncertainty is the identity of the next prime minister. While United Serbia had publicly designated Vucic as their candidate, the Student List deliberately avoided naming a single leader during their campaign, emphasizing the collective nature of their movement. The group comprises academics, doctors, and workers.

Ilija Srdanovic, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Novi Sad and a cardiologist, emerged as a prominent figure leading the movement during the campaign. He is now widely considered the most likely candidate for prime minister. However, the selection of individuals for crucial ministerial posts, including interior, finance, and justice, remains undetermined.

The Student List's electoral platform highlighted fighting corruption and organized crime as core priorities. They also pledged to improve living standards, increase employment, enhance education, and ensure media freedom and institutional independence. Following their victory declaration, the movement indicated an intention to foster better relations with neighboring countries after a period of strained diplomacy under Vucic’s lengthy tenure.

The formation of a new government is anticipated to occur within the coming weeks, though the process of selecting cabinet members and establishing a clear leadership structure will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.