Serbia election polls close amid record turnout and violence reports

Polls closed in Serbia following a closely watched election between President Aleksandar Vučić and the student-led Students' List movement. The vote was marked by high turnout, increased tension, and allegations of irregularities and incidents of violence.

Police presence was visibly increased on the streets of Belgrade, with strong forces deployed at central points in the capital. Riot police cordoned off an area around the election commission offices in the city center.

“The two main rivals are expected to run very close to each other, making this the most uncertain election in years.”

According to CeSID and Ipsos, national turnout reached 67.6 percent by 19:00. Voters already in line outside polling stations when polls closed were allowed to cast their ballots.

Local media outlets reported several incidents of violence across the country. Police vehicles were seen near a Belgrade park where Vučić supporters have been camping for more than a year.

The two main rivals are expected to run very close to each other, making this the most uncertain election in years. More than half of registered voters had cast ballots by the afternoon.

First result estimates are expected around 21:30 local time, based on representative samples of polling stations. The Students' List has been at the forefront of protests against Vučić for nearly two years.