The incident occurred on November 3 when Air Serbia flight JU134 was in Lithuanian airspace en route to Moscow. On board were Aleksandar Vulin, former defense and interior minister; Dusan Bajatovic, director of state-owned gas company Srbijagas; and Nenad Popovic, a minister without portfolio.

These officials are known for their close ties to Moscow and have been embroiled in controversy over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Vulin has also faced US sanctions since 2023 for his alleged role in undermining the rule of law in the Western Balkans.

According to unofficial reports, the plane was ordered back because Vulin allegedly failed to undergo mandatory security screening before boarding. This raised concerns about national security and prompted the decision to divert the flight back to Belgrade.

The aftermath of Serbia's parliamentary election has brought about a flurry of activity in the country's justice system.

Just nine days after the student-backed list secured a landslide victory over the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which had dominated politics for 14 years, prosecutors began to take swift action against several individuals.

New criminal proceedings were launched and previously unresolved cases were reopened at an astonishing pace.

Prosecutors in Serbia are cracking down on suspected electoral manipulation, corruption, and abuse of public office as part of a post-election clean-up effort. This includes investigations into allegations of vote-buying, bribery, and other forms of electoral malfeasance.

In one notable case, four individuals were arrested in Novi Sad on suspicion of engaging in vote-buying activities. Meanwhile, six others were detained in Mali Zvornik for allegedly helping citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina register their residence in Serbia to cast ballots.

The arrest of Davor Macura, owner of Alta Bank, has sent shockwaves through the Serbian business community. Macura is accused of illegally accessing his bank's vault and removing a substantial sum of money, estimated at around €383 million ($430 million). This arrest comes on the heels of the National Bank of Serbia revoking Alta Bank's license and initiating bankruptcy proceedings.

Macura's bank had significant ties to the state and a large number of Russian clients. His public association with the ruling party has raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about potential conflicts of interest. The National Bank's move against Alta Bank has also sparked concerns about the stability of Serbia's banking sector.

In addition to Macura's arrest, several high-ranking officials have been detained on suspicion of abusing their office and rigging public procurement procedures. These include senior police officials and managers of state-owned enterprises.

As the dust settles on Serbia's recent elections, a thorough clean-up of the country's institutions has begun. Incoming MP Tanja Arsic from the Students' List expressed optimism about the rule of law being upheld, citing existing regulations that allow for swift action.

However, reports and video footage have emerged suggesting that official documents may have been removed or destroyed in state institutions and public companies following the election. In response to these allegations, Prosecutor General Zagorka Dolovac issued a binding instruction on October 29 to all chief public prosecutors to prevent the destruction of records.

The Students' List has called upon employees in state institutions and the media to report any destruction of documents, aiming to prevent what they see as potential abuse by outgoing authorities during the transition of power. According to Savovic, even attempting to destroy official records is punishable by law.

Former President Aleksandar Vucic has claimed he is not afraid of being arrested, stating that no evidence of financial wrongdoing will be found against him.

The investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing by high-ranking officials in Serbia's previous government is focusing not just on signatures and documents but also on decision-making processes and who wielded power to influence deals.

Critics argue that arresting key players without sufficient evidence would be counterproductive, potentially leading to acquittals and undermining the credibility of the prosecution service.

Tanja Arsic emphasizes that the success of the prosecution should be measured by convictions and asset confiscation, not the number of high-profile arrests. She stresses the importance of conducting thorough investigations and gathering robust evidence before bringing charges.

Bojana Savovic echoes this sentiment, warning that rushing to indict without sufficient evidence would be disastrous.

Serbia's new government faces a daunting task in rooting out corruption and cronyism from the justice system.

The prosecution service and courts have long been criticized for being riddled with officials who prioritize loyalty over merit, often promoting individuals based on their ability to read the political climate rather than their qualifications or integrity. This has led to widespread concerns that any attempts at reform will be hindered by entrenched interests within the judiciary, police, and security structures.

The ultimate test of Serbia's commitment to change will come in the courtroom, where verdicts in key cases will reveal whether the country is genuinely breaking with its past or simply replacing one set of powerful figures with another.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/arrests-and-investigations-as-serbia-begins-post-election-clean-up/a-79868652?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

In both countries, voters overwhelmingly chose left-wing parties, with the Student List emerging victorious in Serbia and incumbent president Luiz Inacio "Lula da Silva winning re-election in Brazil. These results have significant implications for Trump's diplomatic efforts abroad, despite not directly impacting the upcoming midterm elections in the United States.

One of Trump's key European allies has been outgoing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is set to leave office following his party's defeat. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the Trump administration had been backing Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who lost to Lula da Silva in 2022.

Lawrence J. Haas, a senior fellow for US foreign policy at the American Foreign Policy Council, notes that Trump has historically supported both Bolsonaros and was not pleased with their defeats. He also expresses skepticism about Trump's relationship with Lula da Silva, describing it as cool at best.

The loss of these alliances comes ahead of the midterm elections in the United States on November 3, where American voters will choose their representatives to Congress.

The investigation into Flavio Bolsonaro's alleged corruption and money laundering has taken an interesting turn, given that he fled Brazil for Florida after losing the election in his home country. The US State Department granted him and his family entry visas despite the pending legal action against him.

Bolsonaro's refusal to concede defeat is not surprising, considering his claims of irregularities in the vote. This echoes a familiar pattern seen with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that he was robbed of victory in the 2020 US presidential election.

Donald Trump's comments on Bolsonaro's loss were telling, as he described it as another rigged election. The US president made it clear that in his opinion, elections need to be indisputable and free from any doubts. His words are reminiscent of his own claims about the 2020 US election.

Aleksandar Vucic's resignation from the presidency of Serbia just before the election was a strategic move, allowing him to stand as prime minister again. This is not the first time he has held this position, having previously served from 2014 to 2017.

Vucic's past comments have suggested that he and Donald Trump share similar views on governance. The fact that Trump's eldest son visited Vucic in Belgrade before the US presidential election only adds to the perception of close ties between the two leaders.

The US Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), closely tied to Trump's MAGA movement, has announced plans for a gathering in Belgrade next month. However, it remains unclear whether Aleksandar Vucic will still be the keynote speaker at this event.

Vucic and Donald Trump share another similarity: both have expressed more favorable views of Russian President Vladimir Putin than most European leaders. Serbia under Vucic has maintained ties with Russia despite international sanctions imposed after its aggression in Ukraine. The country continues to purchase raw materials from Moscow, while state media in Belgrade often portrays a more positive image of Russia compared to the EU.

This alignment between Trump and Vucic is also evident in their stance on Moscow's actions. Unlike many European nations, Serbia has not joined efforts to impose sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Instead, Belgrade maintains economic ties with Russia, which are reflected in its media coverage.

The recent remarks by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff describing Putin as a humanitarian" highlight the US president's growing affinity for Moscow. This is further underscored by Trump's own admission that he gets along better with Putin than with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Israeli election results have left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc in the lead with over 96% of votes counted. However, Netanyahu has lost his majority, which complicates coalition negotiations and makes it uncertain whether he will remain in power.

Netanyahu and Trump have a long history of close cooperation, dating back to their joint efforts to launch a war against Iran earlier this year. In 2018, Trump's decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was seen as a significant gesture of support for Netanyahu's government. This move was highly contentious due to competing claims over Jerusalem's status.

The special relationship between Israel and the United States remains strong, with the US being Israel's most important partner. In turn, Israel plays a crucial role in regional affairs from the US perspective. The potential implications of a change in Israeli leadership on this partnership are unclear at present.

If Netanyahu manages to maintain power despite his lost majority, it is likely that little will change in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. However, the current situation leaves open several possibilities for future developments and their impact on US-Israeli ties remains uncertain.

The recent elections in Serbia and Brazil have dealt a significant blow to Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts. With Vucic's defeat in Serbia, Trump has lost a key ally who had consistently supported his policies. Meanwhile, Lula's victory in Brazil means that a president with whom Trump has had strained relations will remain in power.

The implications of these developments for US-Israeli ties are uncertain, but one thing is clear: they do not bode well for Trump's foreign policy agenda. According to analyst Haas, the elections have shown that Trump's relationships with other world leaders are fragile and easily disrupted.

Despite this, Haas believes that the midterm elections in the US will be more focused on domestic issues than on foreign policy. As he noted, Americans tend to vote based on concerns about affordability and their feelings towards the party in power.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-loses-allies-after-elections-in-serbia-and-brazil/a-79812075?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

Since his defeat, Vucic has accused the winners of "revolutionary terror, suggesting that they are using intimidation and violence against those who hold differing views. He warned that if this behavior continues unchecked by state authorities, he would be forced to take matters into his own hands, implying a possible escalation of tensions.

The president's comments come as several key media outlets have been affected by the election outcome. The general director of Serbia's state broadcaster RTS has already resigned, while senior editors at the station have also lost their jobs. This move is seen as an example of the terror that Vucic claims is being perpetrated against those who oppose the Student List.

In a further sign of the changing media landscape, tabloid outlets loyal to Vucic have begun to tone down their rhetoric, no longer referring to the opposition as terrorists" and "mercenaries. Meanwhile, a group of protesters stormed Informer TV station on Monday, amid reports that thousands of complaints have been lodged against the channel for its biased coverage of Vucic's critics.

The opposition movement in Serbia has gained significant momentum since its emergence from student protests. A group known as The List, comprising professors, activists, and artists, secured 53% of the vote in the October 25 election, leaving President Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) trailing behind with 39%.

In response to these results, citizens have begun to take matters into their own hands. Portraits of Vucic have been removed from municipal buildings in several cities through peaceful protests. This development comes as the public prosecutor's office for organized crime has launched investigations into electoral fraud and other alleged wrongdoing.

Critics claim that the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, responsible for overseeing the election process, was biased towards Vucic's party. A special commission is now examining its work to determine whether it acted impartially or was influenced by the government. This investigation aims to uncover any evidence of corruption and abuse of power.

The opposition has long accused President Vucic and his allies of using state contracts as a means of rewarding loyal companies, while also having ties to organized crime. These allegations have been leveled against the regime for some time, but are now being scrutinized in greater detail following The List's electoral success.

The euphoria that followed Aleksandar Vucic's electoral defeat has given way to growing impatience among those who are now in power. The new parliament has yet to convene, and the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) still retains considerable influence over key government institutions.

According to Dejan Bursac from the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory at Belgrade University, the public's expectations of swift justice are understandable given the SNS's long history of authoritarian rule. The people are getting restless in this power vacuum, he observed.

Vucic and his allies have promised to be a formidable opposition force, anticipating that they will regain power once their opponents have ruined the country. However, many critics are calling for Vucic to face investigation and prosecution. Bursac described the SNS's behavior as if they had lost a local election in Scandinavia rather than being part of a corrupt regime.

The phenomenon of politicians switching allegiances is common in Serbia, where individuals often move between parties to follow power. Even Vucic has acknowledged that some of his former associates are now turning against him. We can expect to see instances of people resigning or going into hiding, and even putting themselves forward as informants for the next government," said Zlatko Minic from Transparency Serbia.

As the country navigates this transition period, observers like Bursac will be closely monitoring developments. The SNS's continued influence raises questions about the effectiveness of the new government in addressing long-standing issues of corruption and abuse of power.

The outgoing government in Serbia appears to be using its remaining time in office to tie up loose ends and create problems for the new administration. This is a concern for many officials who believe that the old government can still award contracts and incur financial obligations without necessarily breaking any laws.

However, there are also those within the system who are opposed to President Vucic's style of governance and may be working with the Student List to prevent certain actions from being taken. These individuals could potentially use their influence to block or limit the outgoing government's ability to cause further harm.

The Student List has continued its campaign for reform by calling on leading officials in the police and judiciary to resign, and urging whistleblowers to come forward if necessary. The group is concerned that the outgoing government may try to destroy documents or cover up evidence of wrongdoing.

In a symbolic move, representatives of the Student List held their first press conference in Pioneers Park, which had been fenced off by Vucic's supporters in 2025 and used as a base for pro-government thugs. On the morning after their election win, the group's supporters cleaned up the park with binbags, restoring it to its former state.

The Student List's election victory has brought together a diverse group of politicians from different ideological backgrounds. This unlikely alliance is focused on implementing domestic reforms to propel Serbia's European Union accession talks forward. However, their stance on key foreign policy issues is likely to be met with skepticism by some EU members.

Oliver Toskovic, a future member of parliament and psychology professor, emphasized that the List's goal is to stabilize and develop the country through gradual change, rather than making abrupt shifts in its foreign policy. This approach represents a departure from the previous government's handling of relations with the EU.

The Student List has expressed concerns about Serbia's energy dependence on Russia, which they believe was a mistake made by the Vucic administration. Instead of imposing sanctions on Russia, the List aims to find alternative solutions that balance domestic interests with international obligations.

The new government is also keen to improve ties with neighboring countries, a departure from Vucic's confrontational approach towards Kosovo, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Student List leaders have already initiated dialogue with these nations, including a phone call between Ilija Srdanovic and the Croatian prime minister.

As the new government takes shape, it remains unclear how they will address Serbia's energy policy, which has been criticized for its reliance on Russian imports. The Student List's commitment to reducing tensions with neighboring countries is seen as a positive step towards regional stability.

The electoral process in Serbia continues, with a repeat vote scheduled for November 1 at around 50 polling stations where irregularities were reported during the initial vote. These irregularities necessitated a re-vote to ensure the integrity of the election.

Once the results from the re-vote are counted and verified, parliament can be convened, paving the way for the formation of a new government. Although the formation process is expected to be relatively swift, the names of those set to take up positions within the government have not yet been disclosed.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/serbia-after-vucic-the-winners-are-losing-patience/a-79817586?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

The victory marks the culmination of nearly two years of anti-corruption protests led by students, who have been demanding change and accountability from their government. The movement gained momentum after a devastating incident in Novi Sad, where a freshly renovated railway station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people and sparking widespread outrage.

The collapse of the canopy has become a rallying cry for the student-led protests, with many viewing it as a symbol of the corruption and neglect that have plagued Serbia's ruling party. The students' determination to bring about change appears to have paid off, as their chosen candidates are poised to take control of the country's parliament.

The Student List, as this coalition is known, comprises a diverse group of individuals from various fields who were selected by majority vote through student assemblies in occupied universities. This grassroots approach has yielded surprising results, with the Student List set to secure a clear majority of parliamentary seats without being affiliated with any traditional opposition party or even being a formal party itself.

The outcome of these elections will likely have far-reaching implications for Serbia's politics and governance, as the country's ruling party is brought down by the very people who have been demanding change. The success of this student-led movement may also serve as a model for other movements seeking to translate street demonstrations into tangible political change.

The student assemblies have played a pivotal role in guiding the protest movement that has brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets to demand change.

Their influence is evident in the fact that these assemblies are now responsible for determining which candidates will serve as Serbia's next prime minister and which will run the country's ministries.

Political scientist Branislav Radeljic credits the student assemblies with channeling the public outrage sparked by the Novi Sad collapse into tangible institutional change.

According to Radeljic, the assemblies achieved this through collective decision-making, decentralisation, and a broad agenda that allowed students to debate demands, agree on tactics, and vote on key decisions.

This approach created a sense of shared ownership and legitimacy among activists, who were required to justify their proposals to their peers rather than rely on a single leader.

The use of direct democracy in student protest movements is not new to the Balkans, with Nebojsa Vladisavljevic pointing out that this model of organisation has been used by students across the region for nearly two decades.

The occupation of university buildings across Serbia had a profound impact on the protest movement, bringing classes to a standstill nationwide.

All faculties and schools were affected, with students from various disciplines coming together to form a unified front against the government.

In occupied university buildings, students would gather for plenary sessions where proposals were put forward and debated by their peers, often over multiple meetings.

These discussions allowed every student to participate in decision-making, with decisions passed through majority vote after thorough discussion and debate.

The emphasis on collective decision-making helped build trust within the movement, as well as among its supporters outside university walls.

By avoiding a top-down leadership structure, the student movement was able to present itself as a leaderless force, shielding it from potential media backlash.

The student movement's ability to evade media manipulation was crucial to its success, according to Eric Gordy, a professor of political and cultural sociology at University College London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies.

Gordy attributes this phenomenon to the regime in Serbia having been based not only on repression but also on deliberate media manipulation over the past decade. This approach involved targeting prominent opposition figures and government critics, which had effectively weakened the opposition in previous years.

As a result, the student movement was more challenging for the authorities to discredit, thanks to its leaderless structure. By avoiding a clear hierarchy, the students presented themselves as a decentralized force, making it harder for media outlets to pinpoint specific individuals for criticism or attack.

To counter the traditional broadcast media's narrative, students organized their own outreach efforts, staging public rallies and marathon cycling trips across the country to engage directly with communities outside major cities.

The student assemblies' focus shifted from protesting to influencing electoral politics as they pushed for early elections and began selecting parliamentary candidates behind closed doors.

A slate of candidates emerged after student assemblies voted on and vetoed a list, with the goal of transferring collective authorization into formal institutions through this process.

By entering electoral politics and involving student assemblies in candidate selection, the movement aimed to bring decentralised practices that sustained mobilisation into the formal institutions of government.

The key test now is whether these decentralised practices can also deliver accountability, coordination, and effective government, according to Radeljic.

The minimalist political programme developed by the student assemblies combines targeted anti-corruption measures with broader social policies.

The student assemblies' inclusive approach has allowed diverse voices to converge on common goals.

This diversity is reflected in the movement's three distinct currents, according to Gordy. One current advocates for radical democratic reforms aimed at eliminating authoritarianism and corruption. In contrast, a procedurally democratic group seeks to establish rule of law without taking on a political role, instead creating conditions for established parties to take over.

A third current is comprised of nationalists who are more aggressive in their stance towards neighboring countries. Although they have temporarily put aside their differences to face the election together, they will likely compete with each other for control of the government afterwards.

Ultimately, this diverse coalition has come together to drive meaningful change and bring down the existing government, pushing Serbia towards a new era of politics.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261027-how-student-assemblies-brought-down-the-serbian-government

The movement, which lacks experienced politicians and a clear leadership structure, has vowed to eradicate corruption, free up the media, and ensure the rule of law, all areas it claims have been severely compromised during Vucic's 14-year tenure in power.

However, translating its promises into tangible reforms will be no easy task. The new government faces significant obstacles, despite its strong mandate for change stemming from a convincing election victory that has left public discontent simmering over years.

Expectations are running high among the populace, with an air of impatience hanging over the country as it waits to see if the movement can deliver on its promises.

The transition process is expected to be protracted, with Vucic having already conceded defeat just hours after polls closed on Sunday.

The Students' List is poised to secure a significant majority in Serbia's Parliament, according to preliminary election results released so far. The party is expected to claim around 140 seats out of 250, while Vucic's SNS party will likely take around 104 seats.

This outcome could be further complicated by the need for a separate presidential election following Vucic's resignation as president last month. As leader of the SNS ticket in the parliamentary race, Vucic sought to return to power as prime minister, triggering the requirement for a new vote to choose his successor as head of state.

On Sunday night, jubilant crowds took to the streets to celebrate the students' victory, with some protesters targeting police and Vucic loyalists. Demonstrators stoned police who were withdrawing from the area and dismantled a long-standing camp used by pro-Vucic supporters in a central Belgrade park.

Protesters also stormed the private television station Informer on Monday evening, which has been a vocal supporter of Vucic and has labeled student protesters as enemies of the state. The TV channel had previously broadcast a live funeral service for Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb commander convicted of genocide by a U.N. court.

The student-led movement in Serbia continues to face challenges as it prepares to take power. The situation remains volatile, with incidents of confrontation and violence reported at various locations.

Pro-Vucic broadcaster Pink TV was also guarded by police on Monday, while President Vucic condemned the "violence, warning his supporters that they could self-organize in response. This move has raised concerns about potential escalation in the face of a prolonged power vacuum.

Media expert Snezana Milivojevic observed that the media situation is particularly sensitive because it is before everyone's eyes. While some state-run media have undergone changes, private television channels like Informer continued to broadcast pro-Vucic propaganda despite the changing landscape.

Among those who stormed Informer TV station and confronted editor-in-chief Dragan Vucicevic was Dijana Hrka, a mother of one of the victims of the 2024 train station tragedy that sparked the protests. Hrka accused Vucicevic of lying, charging at him during the confrontation.

The students have urged calm, promising to liberate the media in the assembly" through an institutional struggle for freedom and professional journalism. The European Union mission in Serbia has also appealed to citizens to be patient, while Milivojevic noted that the public's high expectations will likely be difficult to meet.

The student movement's 11-point program has identified corruption as a key area of focus for the new government, seeking to address the entrenched issues that have plagued Serbia for decades.

Corruption is believed to be deeply ingrained in all aspects of Serbian society, with partisan employment and cronyism contributing to layers of bureaucracy and a lack of oversight. This complex web of corruption will require significant effort to dismantle, making it a challenging task for the new government.

To tackle this issue, students have promised deep institutional reforms, including an overhaul of the police force and judiciary to ensure that officers and prosecutors with impeccable careers can progress without obstruction.

The creation of a police unit accountable to independent prosecutors is another key promise, as well as measures to prevent corrupt officials from holding power. Additionally, all major projects initiated by the previous government will be reviewed, a process likely to take time.

Avoiding divisive topics during protests has been a deliberate strategy adopted by the students, with issues like Serbia's EU membership and relations with Russia left out of their agenda.

The newly elected student-led government in Serbia will face significant challenges as they prepare to take power, particularly when it comes to policy decisions that may disappoint some supporters.

One such issue is the country's stance on economic sanctions, which has been a contentious topic for years. While some students have expressed a desire to distance themselves from Russia and align with the EU, others have pushed back against this idea, citing concerns about the impact on the economy and relations with neighboring countries.

The legacy of Serbia's complex history with the West will also pose a significant hurdle for the new government. The country has struggled to forge closer ties with the EU since the NATO bombing in 1999 and the recognition of Kosovo's independence by Western powers in 2008, which has led to a deep-seated mistrust.

As the new government begins its tenure, it will be closely watched by international observers who are eager to see if they can make progress on their European path.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/serbias-victorious-student-movement-faces-tough-challenges-prepares-137607522

The Student List movement successfully challenged the SNS's 14-year dominance of Serbian politics, securing an impressive 52.45 percent of the vote and earning 138 seats in the National Assembly.

The election outcome marked a significant turning point for Serbia as the student-led list secured more than twice the number of seats than its closest competitor, Aleksandar Vucic, United Serbia, which garnered only 39.2 percent of the vote and earned 103 seats in the National Assembly.

Supporters of the Student List movement say that their massive mobilisation to fight electoral fraud played a crucial role in securing this historic victory. They argue that tracking and monitoring the electoral process helped prevent widespread voter manipulation.

The student-led protest movement emerged after a devastating tragedy on November 1, 2024, which claimed the lives of 16 people and sparked nationwide protests against corruption. Initially non-partisan, the movement gained widespread public support before deciding to field its own electoral list in this year's parliamentary elections.

The Student List opted not to run for office themselves but instead nominated highly qualified individuals with no prior political experience, selected through a democratic process organized within universities.

The student movement's efforts to prevent electoral fraud bore fruit, according to a key figure involved in the process.

When asked about the outcome of the election, he revealed that his team was initially expecting to win, but the announcement of the results caught them off guard.

The counting process was still underway at the time, and emotions were running high as supporters erupted into cheers upon hearing the news.

The student movement's vigilance paid off in several instances throughout the day. They reported numerous cases of potential electoral irregularities, including the discovery of parallel lists and carousel votes.

These practices are often used to exert pressure on voters or manipulate voting records. Parallel lists refer to unofficial voter registries that can be used to falsify or alter election results.

The student movement had been working tirelessly for over a year and a half to educate people about electoral fraud prevention, training thousands of individuals to become official controllers at polling stations.

The high voter turnout in Serbia's recent elections was notable, with 69 percent casting their ballots compared to 55.5 percent in December 2023 parliamentary elections.

This significant increase in participation is a positive sign for democratic engagement in the country. The electoral process was also marked by increased transparency and monitoring efforts.

Volunteers from various groups, including "Bikers with Students, were deployed to polling stations to ensure a fair vote. Janko Sikosek, a member of this movement, joined these efforts as part of his team's mobile unit.

Sikosek's experience on election day was marked by optimism and enthusiasm among voters. He noted that people were smiling at each other in line, indicating a sense of civic responsibility and engagement.

The presence of volunteers like Sikosek's mobile team had a tangible impact on the electoral process. By observing and recording voting activities, they made it harder for any potential fraud to occur.

Sikosek recounted one particularly intense incident involving a mobile team that discovered vote-buying operations in Ovca, north of Belgrade. The team faced resistance from SNS supporters, resulting in injuries to several members, including a broken arm and a head injury caused by a rock.

Incidents of voter intimidation and harassment marred election day in Serbia as opposition supporters faced resistance from ruling party sympathizers. In addition to the Sikosek team's encounter, another group of masked men attacked Student List monitors in Pancevo using pyrotechnic devices, striking several individuals in the head.

CRTA, a Serbian democracy watchdog, also reported an incident involving one of its observers who was harassed by a group of people in Zemur. The observer faced intimidation and hostility from individuals who opposed their presence at the polling station.

Inside polling stations, tensions arose between controllers from the ruling party, SNS, and those supporting the opposition Student List. Marko, a student controller in Novi Sad, witnessed these disputes firsthand. He noted that SNS controllers attempted to block younger voters, claiming they didn't resemble their ID photos.

The introduction of voting booths with curtains in this election has raised concerns among opposition supporters. They argue that this design increases the risk of ballot photography, which is reportedly being used by individuals who have been paid or pressured to support the ruling party.

The monitoring of Serbia's recent elections by CRTA has revealed a concerning trend: nearly 50% of polled polling stations reported ballot photography. This practice is often linked to voters being paid or coerced into supporting the ruling party.

CRTA's findings are supported by an investigation published in Balkan Insight, which gathered over 150 testimonies detailing pressure exerted on public sector employees to back the ruling party and participate in its rallies.

Program director Rasa Nedeljkov of CRTA highlighted another disturbing issue: the presence of phantom fake lists on the ballot. Out of 18 lists, seven were essentially non-existent, allowing the ruling party to accumulate additional votes through electoral commissions at local and national levels.

Furthermore, a spike in new voters was detected just before the election, with 14,100 individuals registering in the past 90 days. This raised suspicions about voter registration irregularities, particularly in areas with high concentrations of new voters and multiple registrations per address.

CRTA's observations suggest that these issues may have been mitigated by an unusually high level of civic engagement. Many Serbian citizens took it upon themselves to monitor election rules at polling stations, filling the boards with well-prepared representatives for the first time.

As a result, manipulation was allegedly prevented due to this increased citizen involvement in the electoral process. However, concerns remain about the integrity of the voting system and the potential impact of these irregularities on the outcome of the elections.

The unexpected announcement of Vucic's defeat sparked euphoria among student list supporters, who had been worried about potential tensions and clashes with SNS supporters.

Bikers with Students member Sikosek recounted the tense moments leading up to the announcement: When night fell, police were reinforcing the city center, and some incidents occurred. We feared that Vucic would claim victory, but instead he announced his defeat, catching us off guard.

Student Botoski expressed optimism about the student list's future in parliament, stating that they will continue to monitor their elected representatives: We expect our representatives to act with care and dignity, working towards reforming institutions and eradicating corruption from this country."

The grassroots movement built by Serbian students in under two years has achieved a remarkable feat, winning public support and ousting a 14-year ruling party through peaceful means. Now, the challenge for the students and their supporters lies ahead, the presidential elections scheduled for December 2026 will provide an opportunity to build on this momentum.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261026-serbia-elections-tracking-fraud-had-an-impact-on-results-vote-fraud

The near 70% voter participation rate is the highest since the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1992, marking a significant milestone in Serbia's democratic history.

Vucic's concession comes after nearly two years of student-led protests against perceived corruption and authoritarianism that began in response to a devastating train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in 2024, which resulted in the loss of 16 lives.

The streets of Belgrade erupted in jubilation as news of Vucic's defeat spread, with honking cars and cheering students proclaiming "victory" and "he's done.

Turnout in the snap election was remarkably high, reaching nearly 70% of eligible voters, marking one of the highest participation rates since Serbia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. Long queues formed outside polling stations across cities and towns on Sunday, a clear indication that many Serbs were eager for change.

According to preliminary results, Vucic's SNS party is expected to secure around 104 seats in parliament, while the Student List will likely take between 135 and 140 seats. This projection was made by President Vucic himself, who acknowledged his party's defeat based on early returns from polling stations.

Independent pollsters CESID-IPSPS have also reported similar numbers, estimating that the Student List will secure 138 deputies in the 250-seat parliament. The remaining seats are expected to be divided among ethnic minority parties. These projections suggest a significant shift in Serbia's political landscape.

The jubilant atmosphere on Belgrade's streets was palpable as news of Vucic's defeat spread, with Tanja, one of the celebrating women, expressing her elation at finally being rid of what she called a mafia regime. Special police vehicles were deployed to several locations around the city, including near a park where President Vucic's loyalists had been camping for over a year.

As polls closed across Serbia on Sunday evening, a sense of calm was urged upon citizens by a student representative at a news conference held just two hours prior. The call for composure came as voters continued to cast their ballots in what had been shaping up to be a historic snap election.

The outcome of the vote was far from certain, with incumbent President Vucic's party facing stiff competition from a leaderless youth movement that had proven to be a formidable opponent. This marked a significant departure from previous elections, where Vucic's party had consistently outmaneuvered Serbia's fractured opposition.

Long queues formed at polling stations across the country, some of which remained open late into the night due to time zone differences with local authorities. Voting hours were tied to local Serbian time, resulting in some locations staying open until the early hours of Sunday morning.

As voters continued to cast their ballots, international observers noted relatively high participation rates around the country. The result would likely have far-reaching implications for countries across Europe, where youth and student protests had been gaining momentum in recent months.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic cast his ballot in Belgrade alongside his wife, waiting nearly two hours to do so. He expressed hope for a peaceful election day and stated that he and his party would accept the outcome.

Vucic was quoted as saying The will of the people is the will of God: vox populi, vox dei," before adding that if they lost they would acknowledge the electoral result and if they won it would be irreversible.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261025-serbia-s-vucic-concedes-defeat-in-historic-snap-election-with-record-turnout