The Republic Election Commission (RIK) in Serbia has initiated the process of allocating parliamentary mandates following the recent elections, setting the stage for the formation of a new government. This procedural step follows the publication of the final election results, which marked a significant political shift with the Students’ List securing a majority. The RIK has a ten-day window to assign mandates to candidates based on their order on the electoral list. These mandates will be confirmed at the first session of the National Assembly, which must be convened by December 5, 2026.

The first session of the newly elected National Assembly will be presided over by its oldest member until a new president is elected. During this session, the Assembly will confirm the mandates of the deputies, elect the president and vice-presidents of the Assembly, and appoint the general secretary. The confirmation of mandates for at least two-thirds of the deputies will officially constitute the new Assembly, ending the mandate of the previous parliamentary session.

Following the constitution of the Assembly, there is a 90-day deadline to form a new government. The President of Serbia is tasked with proposing a candidate for Prime Minister after consulting with representatives of the elected electoral lists. This candidate will present the government’s program and proposed composition to the Assembly, which will then vote on both the program and the election of the Prime Minister and government members. A majority of at least 126 votes out of 250 is required for the government’s approval. If the Assembly fails to elect a government within the 90-day period, it will be dissolved, as mandated by the Constitution.

The recent elections, held on October 25, 2026, resulted in the Students’ List winning a majority, ending the long-standing dominance of the Serbian Progressive Party. The Students’ List secured 140 seats, while the “Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia” list obtained 103 seats, with additional seats going to minority lists. This political shift has raised expectations for significant changes in governance and policy direction.

Political analysts anticipate potential challenges in forming a stable government due to the complexity of political negotiations and the need to accommodate diverse interests within the Assembly. The timeline for government formation is contingent on these negotiations, which may extend beyond initial expectations. The new government will need to navigate these challenges to implement its agenda effectively.

The upcoming months will be crucial for Serbia’s political landscape as the new government seeks to establish itself and address the priorities outlined during the election campaign. The process of government formation will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it will influence Serbia’s future governance and its relations with international partners.