Today, early elections for the 250-seat Parliament are held in Serbia, while a massive student-led protest movement aims to oust populist leader for many years, Aleksandar Vuciq, representing the biggest challenge to his rule in more than a decade.

The early parliamentary elections, proclaimed by Vuciqi in September, are held after nearly two years of demonstrations led by students against perceived corruption and growing authoritarian trends.

Protests were sparked by the death of 16 people after a covered shelter at the railway station collapsed in the city of Novi Sad in 2024.

Since then, students have gained broad support, writes Reuters.

Incredibly long lines were created at polling stations in cities and towns throughout the country.

The first results are expected to become known about two hours after the closure of polling stations.

A student victory would constitute a profound political change in this Balkan country, with about 6 million inhabitants remembering Victor Orban’s defeat in Hungary in April.

It’s very important that all people come out and vote for something to change. And I think the time has come for change, said lawyer Marija Cvjetjanin at a polling station in Belgrade.

Polls predict a tight race. In an Ipso poll published Thursday, the Serbian Progressive Party ( Vuciqi’s SNS led 47% of the vote, against 40% for students. However, other surveys have brought students to an advantage. /Telegraphy/