Kosjeric, a small town in western Serbia with around 10,000 people, has become the focus of national political tension. The town is holding its first local election since months of mass protests. This vote is seen as a crucial test for the student-led movement against the ruling nationalist party.
For weeks, students have campaigned in the town, encouraging residents to vote freely. They carry a traditional decorated wooden flask filled with rakija, urging people to participate in the election. The students support a new independent list of candidates aiming to unite voters and challenge the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
This election recalls the 1992 local vote when a united opposition defeated the ruling party, making Kosjeric one of the first towns in the former Yugoslavia to come under opposition control. The current political unrest began after a deadly accident in November when a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. The tragedy exposed deep-rooted corruption and sparked widespread protests.
Students led these protests, demanding accountability and early parliamentary elections. President Aleksandar Vucic called the protests a “colour revolution” and an attempted coup but has suggested that national elections may be held soon without providing a date.
Kosjeric’s local election on June 8 is seen as the first chance to measure the protest movement’s impact on politics at a smaller scale. The ruling SNS faces a united opposition list that includes new faces and former party members who dropped their labels to strengthen the challenge.
The election outcome could give momentum to either the ruling party or the protest movement pushing for early elections. Students are actively encouraging voters, especially the elderly, to participate. Meanwhile, the SNS runs a traditional campaign with rallies and television ads.
On the same day, another local election takes place in Zajecar, where the SNS has governed for ten years. Despite neither city being a stronghold, President Vucic is confident of his party’s victory in both locations.
Corruption watchdogs report a rise in ministerial visits and accelerated local projects ahead of the vote. There are also calls for investigations into allegations of gifts and cash being given to voters. These claims follow similar accusations after the parliamentary elections in December 2023, which the SNS won and dismissed as unfounded.
Students and observers from across Serbia will monitor the election day to ensure fairness. The protests have already led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government. A new cabinet, led by political newcomer Djuro Macut, was elected in April.
The local election in Kosjeric is seen as more than a town vote. It represents the wider political struggle in Serbia and could influence national politics and the future of the protest movement.
