Predizborne koalicije u Srbiji 2012.
Pre-electoral coalitions in Serbian 2012 elections

Summary/Abstract: This paper analyzes pre-electoral coalitions in Serbian 2012 parliamentary elections. Pre-electoral period has been characterized by negotiations over electoral coalitions. There are several reasons for entering electoral coalition. Large parties are trying to become leaders of party blocks they belong to. Small parties have “threshold fear”. Most parties are making coalitions in attempt to create “synergy effect”. 11 parties entered parliament through SNS list, while 7 parties were included on DS list. Small parties’ demands usually were not in accordance with their popular support and electoral strength. During these elections national minority parties were more competitive than before and they acted in compliance with the syndrome “two Serbs – three parties”. Drafting of electoral lists according to new electoral rules had inter and intra party consequences. It was not easy to respond to a request to include high rank party officials, one third of women, representatives of different municipalities, towns and regions on the electoral lists and at the same time to award local politicians that had good results and could bring many votes. Simultaneous elections on all levels (national, provincial and local) allowed forming of different coalitions on each level. Coalition agreements played an important role in the second round of presidential elections regarding the support to one of the candidates. Key questions that influenced forming of the government were about coalition partners, prime minister, government program and division of ministries.

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