In The Elite Recruitment And Consolidation In New Democracies
In The Elite Recruitment And Consolidation In New Democracies

Summary/Abstract: In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, mass movements served as the most common vehicle for elite mobilisation and elite recruitment during the transition. The first free and competitive elections in the region go a long way towards accounting for the initial salience of these mass movements. These democratic elections are frequently referred to as founding or constituent elections, which makes good sense considering that 'without elections the full array of institutions that constitute a new democratic political society—such as legislatures, constituent assemblies, and competitive political parties — simply cannot develop sufficient autonomy, legality, and legitimacy. The elections were marked by a minimum of violence, they allowed the citizens to express their political views freely, they encouraged political participation, and, after years of political repression, they served to provide the emerging democratic governments with the seal of legitimacy.

• Details
• Contents