Serbian poll shows Students' List ahead of ruling SNS

An independent poll conducted by the Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) together with Stanford University's Democracy Action Lab in June 2026 surveyed 2,324 adult citizens face‑to‑face. The results indicate that 44.9% of decided voters would support the newly formed Students' List, while the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would receive 35.7% and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) 3.8%. The poll also found widespread dissatisfaction with democracy – 60% of respondents say the system does not work – and low confidence in state institutions, with only 34% trusting the government and 31% the parliament. Around 60% continue to back the ongoing student‑led protests.

President Aleksandar Vučić dismissed the findings as propaganda, claiming the data were fabricated and that, if they were accurate, he would have called early parliamentary elections. CRTA director Vojislav Mihailović responded that the survey followed the highest international standards, the sample size was double the national average, and the organization stands firmly behind its figures.

In a related development, actress and activist Bojana Maljević withdrew from the Students' List candidacy, citing concerns over a proposed “permanent veto” mechanism for candidate selection. Students in Niš publicly refuted media claims that the university had vetoed her, emphasizing that they would not exploit divisive tactics. Analysts note that her departure highlights internal tensions within the student movement as it prepares for upcoming elections.