Serbian protests in Čačak, February 2025 (Source, WikiMedia Commons)
“If the ruling party loses even one municipality, it would send a powerful message.”
As student-led protests continue across Serbia, local elections are being held in two municipalities: Kosjerić and Zaječar, with populations of approximately 14,000 and 40,000 respectively. Though on opposite sides of the country and differing in size, both regions could prove pivotal in determining the direction of the protest movement.
Campaign Period
The student protests, ongoing since autumn of last year, have shown no signs of stopping. Just two weeks before the elections, students organized another protest to demand free and fair voting conditions.
The government, aware of the elections’ potential significance, appears to be using every available tool to secure victory. This has included two reported attacks—one on an opposition activist and another on a cameraman—both allegedly carried out by a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). These incidents led to renewed protests and tensions between SNS members and local citizens in Kosjerić.
A major point of contention in the campaign has been the alleged misuse of public funds. The ruling party is reported to have financed its campaign using state resources, notably through promoting infrastructure projects like roadworks in the contested regions. The Anti-Corruption Agency issued a formal warning, but concerns extend further. The campaign period has been marked by widespread reports of public office abuse, voter intimidation, and vote-buying tactics—including cash payments and the distribution of household appliances and agricultural equipment to sway voter support.
Election Forecast
In Kosjerić, three electoral lists are on the ballot: one from the opposition, one from the ruling party, and one from independent candidates. Despite efforts by student activists to encourage unity, the opposition did not consolidate into a single list. As a result, a tightly contested race is expected. Observers note that the outcome will likely depend on the extent of election-day irregularities, as conditions already indicate that the elections will not meet democratic standards.
Zaječar presents an even more challenging environment for the opposition. Of the eight competing lists, six are directly linked to or supportive of the ruling party. Students have once again offered their support to opposition candidates, but unification under a single list was not achieved. The ruling party’s greater resources and broader presence make an opposition victory here considerably more difficult.
After the Elections
Although students are not running for office themselves, they have thrown their support behind the opposition to remain focused on their primary objectives—most notably, the call for national parliamentary elections. They’ve also worked to spotlight electoral irregularities and question the government’s democratic legitimacy.
These two local elections are being watched closely across the country. The outcome is seen as potentially decisive. Even a single loss for the ruling party would send a significant signal that its grip on power is weakening. A defeat in both municipalities would make that signal unmistakable. On the other hand, a ruling party sweep could embolden further repression—especially targeting universities, student movements, and the independent media.
The hopeful, if realistic, expectation among students and many citizens pushing for change is a victory in Kosjerić. Even that alone would represent a symbolic and motivational triumph, sending a clear message to the government and breathing fresh energy into the protest movement nationwide.
Our colleague Miloš Đajić from Center of Modern Skills (CMV) will follow the elections on Saturday closely, and will share updates afterwards. You can read his updates on his website.
