BELGRADE, Serbia: Serbia entered a new political era on October 26 after a student-backed movement defeated longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic in a landslide election, ending more than a decade of his dominance.

The victory sparked celebrations nationwide, though uncertainty remained over who would lead the new government.

Tens of thousands gathered in Belgrade and other Serbian cities after Vucic conceded defeat late on October 26. The result followed two years of peaceful protests demanding an end to his rule and action against corruption.

With nearly 99 percent of votes counted, candidates backed by the student movement had secured 52.7 percent of the vote, compared with 39.2 percent for the alliance led by Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), according to the State Election Commission.

The student-backed candidates were expected to win 139 seats in the 250-seat parliament, while the SNS-led alliance would hold 97. Minority parties would occupy the remaining seats.

The constitution allows up to 90 days to form a government after parliament convenes following the announcement of the final election results.

Vucic had dominated Serbian politics as prime minister or president since 2014. His defeat followed protests that began after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad. The disaster fueled public anger over corruption and demands for accountability.

The election result marks a major political shift in Serbia, a country of around six million people. It also follows the defeat of Hungary's Viktor Orban in April and could encourage student movements elsewhere in Europe that are demanding better education and stronger prospects.

One Belgrade resident, university administrator Marijana Radovanovic Pajovic, said the result was difficult to believe after years of pressure under Vucic's government.

"I thought it was unbelievable; I still do not believe it. It was too long, and (Vucic) was pressuring us for a long, long time," she said.

The student movement has no single leader, a strategy adopted during the protests to reduce the risk of government attacks against individual figures. Its candidates include university professors, actors and farmers.

However, the movement has yet to make clear who will become prime minister or take other senior government positions. Its domestic priorities include tackling corruption and improving education, while its leaders will also need to decide Serbia's position on international issues.

Prominent figures include cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic, who headed the candidates' list, former central bank governor Dejan Soskic, and Belgrade University professor Radomir Sajcic, who spoke on behalf of the movement after its victory.

Not everyone welcomed the change. Some voters expressed concern about the movement's leadership and its plans for governing the country.

Meanwhile, supporters began cleaning a park near parliament in Belgrade that Vucic's supporters had occupied with tents and barricades. Volunteers removed the structures and stickers from children's play equipment.

For many demonstrators, the cleanup became a symbol of change after months of political confrontation.

Vucic and his party have repeatedly denied accusations of corruption and repression. The incoming government now faces pressure to deliver reforms and maintain public support.