Serbia sees record voter turnout as a student-led movement challenges the long-standing administration of Aleksandar Vučić.
Serbian citizens are casting their ballots in a major parliamentary election. Early reports show a record number of voters at polling stations. By early afternoon, 46% of the electorate had already voted.
Meanwhile, a student movement hopes to end the rule of the current leadership. Aleksandar Vučić and his party have held power since 2012. The opposition seeks to challenge his influence through these snap elections.
Also, the election follows two years of intense student protests. Demonstrators remain angry over a deadly train station collapse. They view the tragedy as a sign of government negligence and corruption.
Next, the opposition group Student List wants to reform the government. They aim to remove officials who suppressed protesters. They also want to free the public broadcaster from political pressure.
However, Vučić and his party deny all claims of corruption. Supporters view him as a strong leader for the nation. They praise his work on infrastructure and economic growth.
Then, long lines formed at polling stations across Serbia. People also voted in major cities abroad. Some voters waited in the rain to cast their ballots.
After that, tensions rose in the capital city of Belgrade. Police closed several streets near the election commission. Supporters of the student movement played music to show their spirit.
Still, concerns about potential fraud persist among the opposition. Student groups have sent observers to thousands of voting stations. They want to ensure the process remains fair and transparent.
Finally, experts worry about the potential for political instability. Some fear a close race could lead to weeks of uncertainty. The world now waits for the final results to arrive.