Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) are seeking to tighten their grip on power in the parliamentary and local elections held on Sunday amidst reports of irregularities and tensions. The main competition in these elections is between the SNS and a centrist coalition aiming to challenge the long-standing rule of the populists who have governed the Balkan state since 2012.

One of the key challenges for Vucic's hard-line rule comes from the opposition Serbia Against Violence coalition, which is expected to mount a strong challenge for the city council in Belgrade. Analysts believe that an opposition victory in the capital would significantly undermine Vucic's position in the country.

The Serbian president expressed confidence in securing "a convincing victory" and anticipated that his ruling party would come close to achieving an absolute majority in the parliamentary election. Vucic, accompanied by dominant pro-government media, campaigned extensively for the SNS, making promises of infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and financial incentives.

While Vucic's name did not appear on the ballot, the campaign emphasized his role in the consolidation of power, treating the election as a referendum on his leadership. The Serbia Against Violence bloc, comprised of pro-European Union parties, emerged from the months-long street protests earlier this year, triggered by two consecutive mass shootings in May.

Prior to the commencement of voting, campaign monitors reported instances of pressure on voters, fearmongering, and abuse of public office. There were also allegations of vote-buying and voter-bribing. Despite these claims, Vucic and the SNS denied any campaign abuse or vote-rigging, dismissing accusations that Vucic breached the constitution by campaigning for a specific party.

Serbia, which maintains warm relations with Russia, has been a candidate for EU membership since 2014, but concerns have been raised regarding the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country in recent years. The allegations and recommendations made by local and international observers regarding the voting process have had little impact, with no significant changes observed.

Vucic's decision to call for a snap election was seen as an effort to consolidate power after the anti-government protests following the shootings, as well as address public dissatisfaction due to inflation and corruption. Criticism has also been leveled at Vucic in relation to his handling of the Kosovo crisis, as Serbia does not recognize the former province's independence declaration in 2008.

As Serbia awaits the election results, analysts suggest that Vucic is seen by his supporters as the only leader capable of maintaining stability and leading the country towards a better future. The high polarization and fear among the country's eligible voters have resulted in major polling agencies refraining from releasing pre-election surveys.