16 Lives Lost at Station Sparked Serbia's Toughest Election

Sixteen people died when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, an event that triggered a student-led movement now challenging the government in Sunday's parliamentary election. The disaster serves as the central symbol for a group that has protested against the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) for nearly two years.

On Thursday evening, thousands gathered in Belgrade for the Student List's final rally. Many attendees had walked for days from various parts of the country to reach the capital. Arsa Stojanovic, a biology student, told the crowd that the walkers had crossed Serbia from end to end and visited villages and neighborhoods. He stated that they learned they could count on the people.

Aleksandar Cupic, a professor of transport and traffic engineering and a candidate for the Student List, described the atmosphere by saying it smells like freedom. The rally concluded with a kolo, a traditional circle dance. The movement aims to confront corruption and demand accountability for the railway disaster while setting aside traditional ideological and foreign policy divisions.

Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic characterized Sunday's vote as the first competitive election since Aleksandar Vucic came to power in 2012. He noted that the outcome is uncertain and polls suggest the Student List could win more than 40% of the vote. Spasojevic added that the movement has generated hope and substantial support among voters.

The ruling SNS held a closing rally a few kilometers away, emphasizing stability, continuity, and prosperity. The party framed the election as a battle for Serbia's future and sovereignty, accusing opponents of serving foreign interests. Former President Vucic told supporters that opponents had tried to destroy the country on foreign orders and attacked the party with billions of euros.

The independent monitoring group CRTA recorded 116 incidents of physical violence or verbal threats by the final week of the campaign. These incidents included physical confrontations, attacks on campaigners, and attempts to seize campaign banners. CRTA reported that opposition activists, particularly those linked to the Student List, faced surveillance and police questioning.

In its assessment, CRTA stated the campaign was not free or fair. The group found that almost three-quarters of airtime on national television went to government representatives, while more than 80% of coverage of the Student List was negative. The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network published testimony from a former SNS member describing pressure on public-sector employees to deliver votes.

Anonymous sources told Deutsche Welle that voters were offered between 30 and 150 euros, and in some cases holiday packages for families, to support the SNS. Independent media have also reported on alleged links between people connected to the party and criminal networks. Spasojevic doubts these reports will change the result.

Authorities have warned that students, allegedly aided by foreign intelligence services, are preparing street violence. Several people have been arrested on suspicion of plotting disturbances on election night. Spasojevic said a decisive win for either camp would be the best outcome, but polls point to a narrow margin and a likely post-election crisis.

The international response, particularly from the European Union, may influence the post-election period. An EU Commission spokesperson told Deutsche Welle that key recommendations on improving Serbia's electoral framework remain unimplemented. The spokesperson stressed that democracy and the rule of law are central to the accession process, noting that Serbia has been an EU candidate country since 2012.