Democracy in Serbia on the eve of the First World War

Abstract

The author describes and analyzes the political life in Serbia 1903-1914. The Constitution (1903) and the Electoral Act (1903) provide a strong institutional basis for electoral democracy. Elections were held in 1903, 1905, 1906, 1908 and 1912, and despite some irregularities, they were free and fair. There is a broad right to vote, among the broadest in Europe. The main political processes were democratic, according to the criteria of the early 20th century. The democratic character of the political system has undoubtedly contributed to strengthening the loyalty of the majority of population to the state. This was an important factor of the success of Serbia 1912-1918 war.

Keywords

• sociology of elections
• political life
• elections
• constitutionality
• political struggle
• parliamentarism