Half-Million Address Gaps Threaten Serbia's October 25 Ballot

Serbia is preparing for a parliamentary election on October 25 that hinges on the accuracy of a voter register containing half a million incomplete records. The upcoming vote could end the fourteen-year political dominance of Aleksandar Vucic, who is running for prime minister after stepping down as president in late September.

Investigations by RFE/RL identified approximately 500,000 registered voters who lack complete addresses, specifically missing street names or house numbers. The review also found hundreds of individuals listed at public facilities like social welfare centers or residential buildings that cannot logically hold that many people. These findings mirror irregularities cited by international observers during the 2023 election, which included the transport of voters from neighboring Bosnia-Hercegovina and reports of intimidation.

The political tension stems from the aftermath of a tragedy in Novi Sad. On November 1, 2024, a railway station canopy collapsed, killing sixteen people. The disaster sparked nationwide protests over alleged corruption in a construction project led by Chinese firms. After police clashed with demonstrators in March 2025, Vucic announced his resignation and scheduled the current early vote.

Polls indicate a deeply split electorate. Vladimir Bilcik, a former European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, characterized the race as the first in over a decade with a genuinely uncertain outcome. The opposition list is led by cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic, though the student movement has stated his position does not guarantee the premiership if they win. The group consists largely of nonpartisan figures, including university professors.

The government claims it has addressed all recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe following its criticism of the 2023 vote. However, an interim report from the OSCE, which has deployed 300 observers to Serbia, contradicted that assertion. RFE/RL also noted a rise in eligible voters in Bosnia and Kosovo, regions known for supporting Vucic's Progressive Party. Four employees of Serbia-funded institutions in Kosovo reported pressure to vote for the ruling party.

Allegations of illegal surveillance have further complicated the campaign environment. A statement from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on October 21 cited reports of illegal monitoring of opposition members. Research by the Serbian nonprofit SHARE and Toronto University researchers found at least sixteen instances of the Pegasus surveillance software being used in 2026, a tool that is illegal in Serbia. Government officials denied targeting political rivals.

International reactions have focused on foreign influence. The Freedom House report confirmed a decline in freedoms in Serbia over the past decade. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson stated that Russia is deploying resources to monitor and disrupt Serbian citizens and the student movement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally expressed support for Vucic.

Vucic pledged to maintain Serbia's foreign policy course, including its refusal to join EU sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. The student movement opposes sanctions and supports Belgrade's stance of not recognizing Kosovo's independence. Serbia's EU integration has stalled, with no new accession chapter opened since late 2021 due to democratic backsliding and unresolved relations with Kosovo.