Serbia is preparing for what could be its most dramatic parliamentary elections since 2012, with the Republic Election Commission confirming 18 electoral lists featuring a total of 2,418 candidates. The elections, set for October 25, come amid significant political maneuvering and heightened stakes.

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by Aleksandar Vučić, is fielding a prominent list that includes former Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and Ana Brnabić, the former president of the dissolved Serbian Parliament. Vučić, who recently resigned from the presidency, is running for the position of prime minister. The SNS list also features notable figures such as Vjerica Radeta from the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) and Stefan Krkobabić, leader of the Party of United Pensioners of Serbia (PUPS). The inclusion of these figures marks a notable alliance, as the SNS originally split from the SRS in 2008.

The political landscape is further complicated by the withdrawal of the opposition list ‘Izbor naroda,’ which was removed in support of ongoing student protests. This move has shifted the order of candidates on the ballot, with the opposition list ‘Evropska Srbija’ moving up to the ninth position. The student protests, which have been a significant force in Serbian politics, originally called for extraordinary parliamentary elections following a tragic incident in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 deaths.

The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), which has been in coalition with the SNS since 2012, is also a key player in the upcoming elections. Led by Ivica Dačić, the SPS is presenting itself as a “factor of stability” despite internal divisions and the recent expulsion of a prominent official, Branko Ružić, who has expressed support for the student movement. Dačić, a veteran politician and current Minister of Internal Affairs, is known for his colorful metaphors, likening the SPS to a “burning bush that does not burn out.”

The elections are set against a backdrop of past political tensions and allegations of electoral fraud. The SNS, which first came to power in 2012, has faced accusations of manipulating the electoral process in previous elections. This year’s elections are being closely watched for any signs of irregularities, with the Republic Election Commission taking steps to ensure transparency.

As the election date approaches, political analysts and activists are closely monitoring the potential impact of the student protests and the effectiveness of the opposition in mobilizing voters. The student-led movement, which has been a vocal critic of the current government, is seen as a pivotal force in the elections. Their final pre-election rally is scheduled for October 22 in Belgrade, with participants traveling from various parts of the country to demonstrate their support.

The outcome of these elections could significantly reshape Serbia’s political landscape, with the SNS aiming to maintain its dominance and the opposition seeking to capitalize on public dissatisfaction. The elections are not just a routine political event but a critical juncture that could determine the future direction of the country.