Parliamentary elections were held in Serbia on 1 June [O.S. 19 May] 1903.[1] However, the elected members never convened due to the May Coup that occurred on 10–11 June [O.S. 28–29 May] 1903.
Background
The elections were called after a self-coup by King Alexander I on 25 March.[1] Alexander first issued a royal proclamation suspending the 1901 constitution and disbanding the parliament elected in 1901. He then appointed new members to the Senate. Through a second proclamation 45 minutes later, he reinstated the constitution and called for fresh elections in May.[1]
The government prepared an agreed list of candidates, which included members of all existing parties, although only who were considered "moderate". The Radical Party boycotted the elections amidst a police crackdown on the opposition,[2] though some independent Liberals, Radicals and Progressives presented their own lists in some constituencies.[1]
Results
| Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government lists | 182,538 | 57.35 | |
| Radical and Progressive lists | 134,400 | 42.23 | |
| Liberal lists | 1,322 | 0.42 | |
| Total | 318,260 | 100.00 | |
| Source: Mitrinović & Brasić[1] | |||
Aftermath
Due to the May Coup, during which both King Alexander I and Prime Minister Dimitrije Cincar-Marković were assassinated, a government was formed under Jovan Avakumović. The government reconvened the previous parliament with the intention of amending the constitution and to elect a new king.[1] Fresh elections were held in September 1903 under a new constitution.
References
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