New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Crowds streamed into Belgrade's central Slavija square from all directions, also filling several blocks of streets around the area. The flag-waving, boisterous crowds chanted "Victory" in a wave of optimism ahead of Sunday's early vote that comes after almost two years of student-led protests against Vucic's tight rule in the Balkan country.

Support for the student movement has grown since the protests first started in November 2024. Their Students' List election ticket is polling neck and neck with Vucic's right-wing Serbian Progressive Party despite the ruling populists' tight control over mainstream media and all institutions in the country.

Drama student Natalija Stepanovic told the crowd that "three more days ...