Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned from office to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in an early parliamentary election scheduled for 25 October.

Vucic's second presidential term was otherwise due to end in May next year. The constitution bars him from seeking a third term, prompting his decision to step down and contest the prime ministerial role instead.

"I am resigning the duty of the president of the republic," Vucic said, reading the text of his resignation.

The move is widely seen as an attempt to retain a top position in government and boost his party's chances in a vote that analysts describe as taking place in a referendum-like atmosphere. Vucic has served as either prime minister or president for the past 12 years.

The election comes after nearly two years of protests triggered by the collapse of a train station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people. University students demanded accountability for the tragedy, and their movement has since grown into a broad campaign against corruption and for the rule of law.

The student-backed election list includes little-known experts, professors, teachers, athletes and individuals from various walks of life. Groups of students have been touring the country on bicycles as part of their campaign. Analysts say the student movement and Vucic are polling closely.

Also running in the election are Vucic's allies in the Socialist Party, a pro-EU opposition alliance and several smaller groups.

Vucic has toured the country in recent weeks, with live coverage on pro-government media. He has opened new roads, offered financial assistance and cheaper medicines, and visited voters in their homes.

The prime minister in Serbia is formally more powerful than the president. However, Vucic played a dominant role during his two five-year presidential terms, sometimes presiding over government sessions and routinely announcing major decisions.

Serbia's independent Bureau for Social Research has filed a complaint alleging that Vucic abused his position as president to promote his party. He has dismissed the allegation. Anti-corruption authorities, which are under government control, have not responded.

Vucic and the SNS have been accused of rampant corruption, links to organised crime and a clampdown on democratic freedoms, including restrictions on critical media. The party has gradually taken control of state institutions since coming to power in 2012, while denying abuse of office and repeatedly pledging to fight corruption.

Authorities have used police force and detentions against protesters. Vucic, without providing evidence, has accused opponents and critical media of seeking to destabilise the state under unspecified foreign influence. He told state television on Sunday that foreign powers and unidentified individuals planned to stir unrest on election night.

With Vucic's resignation, Ana Brnabic, a close ally, former prime minister and outgoing speaker of parliament, will assume the role of acting president. Once a new parliament is elected, the new speaker will take over from Brnabic, appoint the prime minister and schedule a presidential election.

Serbia's efforts to join the European Union have stalled under Vucic due to concerns over democratic backsliding and the country's refusal to join international sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.