Političke posledice izbornog sistema u Srbiji
Political consequences of electoral system in Serbia

Summary/Abstract: In this article we will discuss the political consequences of electoral system in Serbia. Since 1992 Serbia has proportional representation electoral system. In this electoral system, citizens are voting for parties, which leads to party and program oriented campaigns. Serbian system is extremely proportional because there is only one electoral unit. Higher proportionality of electoral system usually means that party system will be fragmented, which leads to wider and numerous coalitions. In a closed list system, voters are choosing between parties, while open list allows choice between candidates. Serbian Parliament lacks territorial representation. After the last electoral system changes, at least one third of MPs will be women. Electoral threshold in not applied for ethnic minority parties. In proportional systems, MPs elected from the lists are elected indirectly by the parties, and therefore they are more loyal and show higher level of party discipline. In the case when a whole country is one electorate, the link between voters and MPs is weak(est). Number of parties in the parliament can be reduced by gradation of electoral threshold. Higher number of electoral units would reduce proportionality, and consequentially fragmentation of the party system. Introduction of mixed or personalized proportional system and preferential votes would increase accountability and autonomy of elected representatives and reduce party influence, leading further to their internal reform. Cumulative effects would be reduced partocracy that is burdening the process of consolidation of democracy in Serbia.

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