Early Parliamentary Elections Underway in Serbia

Early parliamentary elections are underway in Serbia. According to Western media, the electoral process is perceived as a confrontation between Aleksandar Vucic's right-wing "Serbian Progressive Party" and the student movement "Student List". Members of the student movement have held anti-government protests against Vucic for almost two years.

Eighteen parties are taking part in the elections to win seats in the country's 250-member parliament.

The main rivals, the "Serbian Progressive Party" and the "Student List", are considered to have almost equal levels of voter support. Because of this, the elections, scheduled for Sunday, have become the least predictable in recent years. High voter turnout is expected, which may prevent most small parties from clearing the 3 percent threshold needed to enter parliament.

Aleksandar Vucic has dominated Serbia's political arena for more than ten years, as prime minister and president. Last month, amid ongoing protests across the country, he called early elections. Vucic has left the presidency, although many believe this is only a tactical step aimed at running for the post of prime minister.

According to Western media, this is the most serious electoral challenge that Vucic's party has faced since coming to power in 2012.