The Students' list has won more than 52 percent of the votes in Serbia's parliamentary elections, held on Sunday, October 25th. Serbia's 6,4 million voters made a high turnout in elections that saw long-serving president Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party win around 105 out of 250 Parliament seats with the "United Serbia" list. The Students' list will take between 135 and 140 seats. No other parties made it over the 3% threshold, barring national minority parties and coalitions which are exempt from the rule. With 96% of polling stations counted, Serbia's election commission said the students had won 2,24 million votes and the former ruling party 1,67 million. Vučić addressed the nation about 90 minutes after polling stations closed and conceded defeat.
European union officials have congratulated the Students' list on the victory, and extented messages of support in Serbia's further EU path.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos have commented on the results of the parliamentary elections in Serbia, congratulating the Students' list on its victory and stating that the European Union stands ready to support the continuation of reforms and Serbia's European path.
Von der Leyen and Costa delivered a unified message, noting that the citizens of Serbia turned out in large numbers to decide on the future of their country.
"Today, the people of Serbia turned out in record numbers to shape their country's future. Congratulations to the Student List on its victory in the parliamentary elections. We stand ready to support reforms on the rule of law, media freedom, the fight against corruption and strong democratic institutions, and to work together to advance Serbia's future in the European Union."
The European union was closely watching the elections, with international monitors expected to present their preliminary findings in a press conference on Monday afternoon.
Official election results are expected on Monday night. After the final results are declared, a deadline of 30 days starts until the new Parliament must hold a session, with at least 167 confirmed mandates. A new Government must be appointed within 90 days of the constitution of the National Assembly - otherwise, it will be dissolved.