1990 Serbian constitutional referendum

none July 2024 July 2024 SR Serbia 1990 7 1 1990 7 2 y Should the constitution be adopted first, and then multi-party elections called, or vice versa? 5162320 141137 27505 5330962 6813790 A constitutional referendum was held in Serbia on 1 and 2 July 1990, in which voters decided on approving a new constitution. The referendum was announced by Slobodan Milošević, the president of the presidency of SR Serbia, on 25 June. The proposed changes included the abolition of autonomies of Kosovo and Vojvodina, the implementation of a multi-party system, and the establishing of the office of the president of Serbia, which would have extensive powers. With a voter turnout of 78%, the new constitution was approved by 97% of voters. The Assembly proclaimed the new constitution on 28 September. Milošević and the League of Communists of Serbia were initially opposed to introducing a multi-party system and holding free elections. However, the newly formed opposition parties—the Democratic Party and the Serbian Renewal Movement—advocated for a dialogue with the government to consider implementing political reforms. The Presidency of Serbia then proposed amendments, which was followed by an opposition protest in Belgrade on 13 June. Milošević declined to work with the opposition after the protest and called for a referendum to oppose the confederalism of Yugoslavia. The opposition parties opposed holding the referendum before the multi-party elections and called for a boycott. The state media labelled those opposed to the referendum as "anti-Serbian" and "pro-Albanian". Following the referendum, the Kosovo Assembly was dissolved due to the proclamation of Republic of Kosova; the dissolution was condemned by Amnesty International and the European Parliament. General elections were held in December 1990, in which Milošević's Socialist Party of Serbia obtained a supermajority despite winning less than 50% of the popular vote. Background Slobodan Milošević came to power in SR Serbia at the 8th session in September 1987.Georgievski Jovana 25 August 2020 "Fatalni zaokret": Od najbližeg saradnika do poslednje žrtve režima Slobodana Miloševića "Fatal u-turn": From the closest collaborator to the last victim of Slobodan Milošević's regime https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-53889035 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230811043015/https://www.bbc.com/serbian/lat/srbija-53889035 11 August 2023 10 August 2023 BBC News srGrdešić Marko The Shape of Populism: Serbia Before the Dissolution of Yugoslavia University of Michigan Press 2019 978-0-472-13133-4 Ann Arbor, Michigan36 Milošević served as the president of the City Committee of League of Communists of Serbia (SKS) in Belgrade until being appointed president of SKS in May 1986, upon the proposal of his mentor Ivan Stambolić—a reformist within the SKS.2002 O Ivanu Stamboliću About Ivan Stambolić http://www.b92.net/specijal/stambolic/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230604/http://www.b92.net/specijal/stambolic/ 10 August 2023 10 August 2023 B92 srNikolić Kosta 2006 Kako je Slobodan Milošević izabran za vođu srpskih komunista (II) How did Slobodan Milošević get elected as the leader of Serbian Communists (II) Istorija 20. Veka sr 2 105, 120 0352-3160Traynor Ian 1 April 2003 Ivan Stambolic https://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/apr/01/guardianobituaries.balkans live https://web.archive.org/web/20200620082840/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/apr/01/guardianobituaries.balkans 20 June 2020 13 August 2023 The Guardian 0261-3077 Milošević turned populist in April 1987 and then became a critic of Stambolić.Howard Marc Morje World Order After Leninism Sil Rudra Tismaneanu Vladimir University of Washington Press 2007 978-0-295-98628-9 117 Milošević dismissed Stambolić's allies at the 8th Session, and in December 1987, Stambolić was removed from his role as president of Serbia.Mihovilović Maroje 2 April 2003 Milošević's greatest betrayal: How Milošević killed his best friend https://arhiva.nacional.hr/en/clanak/18198/how-milosevic-killed-his-best-friend live https://web.archive.org/web/20230810232341/https://arhiva.nacional.hr/en/clanak/18198/how-milosevic-killed-his-best-friend 10 August 2023 10 August 2023 Nacional With Milošević in power, the anti-bureaucratic revolution, launched in support of Milošević's policies, overthrew the leadership in Montenegro, Vojvodina, and Kosovo in favour of the pro-Milošević faction.41Biondich Mark The Balkans: Revolution, War, and Political Violence since 1878 OUP Oxford 2011 978-0-19-155951-8 200Sombatpoonsiri Janjira Humor and Nonviolent Struggle in Serbia Syracuse University Press 2015 978-0-8156-5340-0 195 Milošević later became the president of the presidency of the Socialist Republic of Serbia in May 1989.Martinov Zlatoje Zlatoje Martinov U podnožju demokratskih propileja: Izbori u Srbiji, 1990–2000 2000 Republika Belgrade sr At the pedestal of the democratic propylaea: Elections in Serbia, 1990–2000 5041050815 In January 1990, a League of Communists of Yugoslavia (SKJ) extraordinary congress was held to address the dispute over Milošević's centralisation reforms and reforms of the Federal Assembly of Yugoslavia.Pauković Davor 2008 Posljednji kongres Saveza komunista Jugoslavije: uzroci, tijek i posljedice raspada The last congress of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia: causes, course, and consequences of the collapse Suvremene Teme 1 1 1847-239721–22 During the congress, the SKS proposed implementing a "one man–one vote" system, which was opposed by the Slovene delegation, who favoured confederated Yugoslavia.22 January 2020 Šest stvari koje treba da znate o 14. kongresu SKJ Six things you should know about the 14th SKJ Congress https://www.rts.rs/lat/vesti/drustvo/3821253/sest-stvari-koje-treba-da-znate-o-14-kongresu-skj.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230814222811/https://www.rts.rs/lat/vesti/drustvo/3821253/sest-stvari-koje-treba-da-znate-o-14-kongresu-skj.html 14 August 2023 14 August 2023 Radio Television of Serbia sr Milošević was fiercely opposed to confederalism.Stojanović Dušan 19 July 1990 Yugoslavia: a country on the brink of disintegration https://newspaperarchive.com/cumberland-times-news-jul-19-1990-p-7/ 9 July 2024 Cumberland Times-News, Associated Press 7 9 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240709201223/https://newspaperarchive.com/cumberland-times-news-jul-19-1990-p-7/ live With the assistance of delegates from Montenegro, Vojvodina, Kosovo, and the Yugoslav People's Army, the proposals from SKS were accepted, while the Slovene and Bosnian proposals were rejected.Tempest Rone 23 January 1990 Communists in Yugoslavia Split Into Factions https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-23-mn-594-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20201019181308/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-23-mn-594-story.html 19 October 2020 14 August 2023 Los Angeles Times This ultimately led to the dissolution of SKJ shortly after the congress.29 With the dissolution of SKJ, constituent republics of Yugoslavia such as Slovenia and Croatia held their first multi-party elections, paving the way for a transition to liberal democracy.9 April 1990 Yugoslav Republic Holds First Free Postwar Vote; Race Keyed by Secession, Economic Issues https://www.proquest.com/docview/307237768 29 July 2024 The Washington Post A14 307237768 6 May 1990 Croatians Vote in Final Round As Independence Party Leads https://www.proquest.com/docview/108566147 29 July 2024 The New York Times A8 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729181155/https://www.proquest.com/docview/108566147?accountid=196403 108566147 live Nikolić Kosta 2011 Obnavljanje parlamentarnog poretka u Srbiji 1990. Restoration of the parliamentary order in Serbia in 1990 Tokovi Istorije sr 2 0354-6497135 Milošević was opposed to a multi-party system and free elections, while the SKS advocated for the formation of associations within the Socialist Alliance of Working People (SSRNS).137Thomas Robert Serbia under Milošević: Politics in the 1990s C. Hurst & Co. 1998 978-1-85065-367-7 1 London52 Opposition parties in Serbia began to form in late 1989 and early 1990.5251 These included parties like the Democratic Party (DS), Serbian National Renewal (SNO), and Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO).xviii–xx Reforms and protests thumb|upright=0.7|alt=Slobodan Milošević smiling in the Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Serbia in 1988|Slobodan Milošević announced on 25 June that a new constitution should be adopted. Shortly after the formation of SNO in January 1990, Milošević wanted to detain their official, Vuk Drašković, who later became the president of SPO, due to unnamed "legal reasons" (pravni razlozi).135 Politika also published an article accusing Drašković of being anti-democratic and that he wants to "bring back the time of darkness and hatred" (on želi da vrati vreme mraka i mržnje).135 Borisav Jović, who served as the Serbian representative in the Yugoslav Presidency, sought to ban all newly-formed political parties, claiming that they are "nationalist and separatist" (nacionalističke i separatističke).135 In March 1990, the Central Committee of SKS contemplated holding multi-party elections in Serbia, but no decision was made.137 Milošević remained dubious of the multi-party system, accusing opposition parties of fostering revanchism and inciting a civil war during an event in Pančevo in May 1990.138 The government of Serbia then prohibited an SPO gathering at Ravna Gora on 13 May.13958 In late May, opposition parties signed a document in which they requested a roundtable between the opposition and the government to discuss multi-party elections and new election laws.13952 The Presidency of Serbia later submitted amendments to the constitution on 6 June, with the Executive Committee of Assembly of SR Serbia describing them as "a good basis for the construction of Serbia as a modern, unified, democratic, and efficient legal state" (dobra osnova za izgradnju Srbije kao moderne, jedinstvene, demokratske i efikasne pravne države).Popović S. 7 June 1990 Dobar osnov za pluralizam Good basis for pluralism https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900607 30 July 2024 Borba 5 sr 24 March 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240324152716/https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900607 live A day later, it was announced that SKS and SSRNS would merge to create the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS).1398 June 1990 Zajedno – kao Socijalistička partija Together – as the Socialist Party https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900608 30 July 2024 Borba 1 sr 24 March 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240324152716/https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900608 live The government also responded at their request, and a roundtable was organised on 8 June. At the roundtable, the opposition and the government could not decide whether to first adopt a new constitution or organise new elections; the government wanted to adopt a new constitution first.Radovanović I. 9–10 June 1990 Stranke dobile – sto Parties got – a table https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900609 6 August 2024 Borba 12 sr 24 March 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240324152716/https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900609 live The Constitutional Commission of the Assembly of SR Serbia then said that multi-party elections could not be held in accordance with the constitutions of Serbia and Yugoslavia, and announced that a draft constitution would be published in July and proclaimed in December 1990.Šverko D. 11 June 1990 Izbori tek dogodine Elections by the end of the year https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900611 6 August 2024 Borba 3 sr 24 March 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240324152716/https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#issue:UB_00064_19900611 live Opposition parties, such as DS and SPO, organised the first anti-government protest since the conclusion of World War II on 13 June 1990, under the banner of the United Opposition of Serbia (UOS).139Sotirović Vladislav B. 2010 The Multiparty Elections in Serbia in 1990 Political Science Almanac 1 6 2029-022513 The protest, which took place in Belgrade,Kojić Nikola 10 February 2020 Izbori 1990: Rekordna izlaznost, glumački okršaj i istorijska pobeda socijalista 1990 elections: Record turnout, clashes and historic victory of the Socialists https://n1info.rs/vesti/a568114-izbori-1990-rekordna-izlaznost-glumacki-okrsaj-i-istorijska-pobeda-socijalista/ 10 July 2024 N1 sr 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729193728/https://n1info.rs/vesti/a568114-izbori-1990-rekordna-izlaznost-glumacki-okrsaj-i-istorijska-pobeda-socijalista/ live drew between 30,000 and 40,000 people.Williams Carol J. 14 June 1990 Soldiers Fire on Protesters as Romania Erupts Again https://www.proquest.com/docview/281163843 11 July 2024 Los Angeles Times 1 281163843 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729193747/https://www.proquest.com/docview/281163843 live 14 June 1990 Anti-government rallies sweep Balkans; tens of thousands block streets in Yugoslavia, Bulgaria https://www.proquest.com/docview/431975037 11 July 2024 Montreal Gazette A11 431975037 11 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240711163504/https://www.proquest.com/docview/431975037 live Fish Jim 14 June 1990 Protesters Demand Free Serbian Vote; Tens of Thousands Denounce Ruling Communist Party, President Milosevic https://www.proquest.com/docview/307308731 11 July 2024 The Washington Post A32 307308731 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729193730/https://www.proquest.com/docview/307308731 live UOS demanded that free elections be held in 1990 and petitioned the Assembly to consider implementing a multi-party system. Radio Television of Belgrade (RTB) covered the protest negatively and the government labelled the protest as "anti-Serbian". The police intervened in front of the building of RTB, where demonstrators, including DS president Dragoljub Mićunović and member Borislav Pekić, were beaten up by the police.140 Politika wrote, "When their behaviour became disruptive, the police intervened" (kada je njihovo ponašanja postalo rušilačko, intervenisala je policija).140 According to the police, four cars were damaged during the protests, while according to the opposition, seven demonstrators were arrested.14 June 1990 Serbians demand elections: Thousands march in Belgrade streets https://www.proquest.com/docview/243509364 11 July 2024 The Vancouver Sun, Reuters A6 243509364 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729193758/https://www.proquest.com/docview/243509364 live Landay Jonathan S. 13 June 1990 Belgrade police beat anti-communist protesters at rally https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/06/13/Belgrade-police-beat-anti-communist-protesters-at-rally/7823645249600/ 20 July 2024 United Press International Milošević refused to work with the opposition following the 13 June protest.140 He then suddenly proposed in the Assembly on 25 June that a new constitution be proclaimed.14153 "Adoption of a new constitution, among other things, should prevent every attempt to quietly transform federal Yugoslavia into a confederation", Milošević said in the Assembly.141 He also argued that the constitutional referendum should be held before the first multi-party elections in Serbia to avoid Kosovo Albanians gaining representation in the Assembly.141–14253 After the announcement, an opposition protest was organised in front of RTB, where Vojislav Šešelj gave a speech critical of the government.Landay Jonathan S. 27 June 1990 Hundreds rally against communist control of media https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/06/27/Hundreds-rally-against-communist-control-of-media/5724646459200/ 20 July 2024 United Press International Opposition parties wanted the referendum postponed until after the first multiparty elections, urging a boycott if their demands were not met.539 March 2020 Prvi višestranački izbori (1990) First multi-party elections (1990) https://www.b92.net/o/info/izbori2020/vremeplov?yyyy=2020&mm=03&dd=08&nav_id=1664212 10 July 2024 B92 sr 10 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240710162821/https://www.b92.net/o/info/izbori2020/vremeplov?yyyy=2020&mm=03&dd=08&nav_id=1664212 live The state media labelled those opposed to the referendum as "anti-Serbian" and "pro-Albanian".582 July 1990 Serbs vote for second day in referendum https://newspaperarchive.com/delphos-daily-herald-jul-02-1990-p-10/ 9 July 2024 Delphos Daily Herald, United Press International 10 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729195237/https://newspaperarchive.com/delphos-herald-jul-02-1990-p-10/ live Kosta Čavoški of DS later said that "Milošević and his party deliberately stirred up fears that the territorial integrity of Serbia was under threat and that only their constitutional project will be able to eliminate the permanent threat that Kosovo and Metohija would secede from Serbia. Such deceitful propaganda seduced many citizens of Serbia who went to vote in the referendum".70 Conduct The Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) oversaw the referendum in accordance with the Law on Referendum that was adopted by the Assembly in 1989.Sokolović Zoran 25 June 1990 Odluka da se pristupi donošenju novog ustava Socijalističke Republike Srbije i da se raspiše republički referendum radi potvrđivanja ove odluke The decision to proceed with the adoption of a new constitution of the Socialist Republic of Serbia and to call a republican referendum in order to confirm this decision http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6394 Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia sr 29 516 0351-5613 29 July 2024 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729195237/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6394 live Sokolović Zoran 14 September 1989 Ukaz o proglašenju zakona o referendumu Decree on the Promulgation of the Law on Referendum http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=1230 Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia sr 40 1364–1365 0351-5613 29 July 2024 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729181701/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=1230 live The Assembly announced on 25 June that the referendum would take place on 1 and 2 July. On 1 July, voting stations were open from 07:00 (UTC+01:00) until 22:00, while on 2 July they were open until 19:00.Grković Branislav 30 December 2021 Ko nas je do sada šta pitao – na referendumima? Who asked us what – on referendums? https://www.istinomer.rs/analize/ko-nas-je-do-sada-sta-pitao-na-referendumima/ 29 July 2024 Istinomer sr 14 August 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230814155152/https://www.istinomer.rs/analize/ko-nas-je-do-sada-sta-pitao-na-referendumima/ live Outside of Serbia, six voting stations were available in Montenegro, allowing citizens on vacation to vote in the referendum. Voting also took place at military establishments. Voting was secret, and voters could only circle one of two options: "for" (za) or "against" (protiv). For the referendum to be recognised as valid, at least half of all registered voters had to participate in the referendum.10 January 2022 Referendumi u Srbiji – o čemu smo se do sada izjašnjavali Referendums in Serbia – what we have declared so far https://crta.rs/referendumi-u-srbiji-o-cemu-smo-se-izjasnjavali/ 29 July 2024 CRTA sr 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729195315/https://crta.rs/referendumi-u-srbiji-o-cemu-smo-se-izjasnjavali/ live The question on the ballot paper was posed as "Should the Constitution be adopted first, and then multi-party elections called, or vice versa?" (Da li prvo doneti ustav pa raspisati višestranačke izbore ili obratno?).Radojević Miodrag 2022 Referendum u Srbiji: Između narodne volje i manipulacije Referendum in Serbia: Between popular will and manipulation Nacionalni Interes sr 1 1820-4996191 As reported by Zoran Sokolović, the president of the Assembly of SR Serbia, in the Official Gazette, the proposal to hold the referendum was recommended by the presidency of SR Serbia and members of the Assembly of SR Serbia. The referendum was held amidst a crisis in Kosovo, with Kosovo Albanians boycotting the referendum.142 The referendum was effectively a vote on the Kosovo issue.193 The Los Angeles Times said that the referendum was "called by the republic's ruling Communists, who are attempting to retain power by exploiting rising Serbian anger over ethnic Albanian separatism in Kosovo province".2 July 1990 Serbians Vote; Communists Try to Keep Power https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-02-mn-521-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230815131937/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-02-mn-521-story.html 15 August 2023 29 July 2024 Los Angeles Times Proposed changes sr Ustav Republike Srbije (1990) 1990 constitution of the Republic of Serbia The proposed constitution would remove the "Socialist" prefix from the state's name and effectively eliminate SAP Kosovo and SAP Vojvodina's autonomy by abolishing their parliaments, governments, and courts.144Lekić Slobodan 5 July 1990 Yugoslavs vote to dissolve legislature https://newspaperarchive.com/new-mexico-gallup-independent-jul-05-1990-p-12/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240709195721/https://newspaperarchive.com/new-mexico-gallup-independent-jul-05-1990-p-12/ 9 July 2024 9 July 2024 New Mexico Gallup Independent, Associated Press 1229 September 1990 Serbia shifts power https://www.proquest.com/docview/385541149 13 July 2024 The Globe and Mail, Reuters A8 385541149 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729181701/https://www.proquest.com/docview/385541149 live Biserko Sonja 2013 Serbia and Regionalization: The Case of Southern Serbia Comparative Southeast European Studies 61 3 364 10.1515/soeu-2013-610306 2701-8199 SAP Kosovo would also return under its older name, Kosovo and Metohija.144Živanović Maja 16 April 2021 Ustav Srbije: Decenije kontradiktornosti Constitution of Serbia: A decade of contradictions https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/ustav-srbija-izmene/31206056.html 29 July 2024 Radio Free Europe sr 27 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211127215100/https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/ustav-srbija-izmene/31206056.html live The proposed amendments would identify Serbia "as a democratic state...based on freedom, the rights of man and the citizen, and the rule of law" as well as a "sovereign, integral, and unified state".71 The proposed constitution would also establish a multi-party system. The electoral system would also be revamped, abolishing the delegate system that was introduced in 1974.Mihailović Srećko https://www.cesid.rs/pdfovi/OKO%20IZBORA%2016.pdf Oko izbora 16: Predsednički izbori 20. januara i 3. februara 2008. godine Jovanović Milan April 2008 CeSID 978-86-83491-46-9 Belgrade sr Oko izbora 16: Presidential Elections on 20 January and 3 February 2008 29 July 2024 21 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240621024933/https://www.cesid.rs/pdfovi/OKO%20IZBORA%2016.pdf live 78Posle Drugog svetskog rata After World War II http://www.parlament.gov.rs/narodna-skupstina-/istorijat/posle-drugog-svetskog-rata.938.html 29 July 2024 National Assembly of Serbia sr 27 June 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230627092632/http://www.parlament.gov.rs/narodna-skupstina-/istorijat/posle-drugog-svetskog-rata.938.html live Parliamentary elections would be conducted under a first-past-the-post, two-round voting system with 250 constituencies. The new constitution would also establish the office of president of Serbia, with broad powers to express unity and control foreign policy.14471 According to the proposed changes, the president would be exempted from any subsequent ratification by the National Assembly, and his acts would be exempted from subjection either to the Constitutional Court of Serbia or the government.144 The president would also be able to recommend the candidate for prime minister after a parliamentary election, veto acts passed by the National Assembly, and dissolve the National Assembly if the government agreed.144 The option of recalling the president was also introduced with two-thirds of deputies in the National Assembly having to vote for it first, followed by a referendum on the matter.144 Opposition parties criticised the proposed changes that were given to the president of Serbia, claiming that it was written for "one person"—Milošević, and that there were no separation of powers.80 Political scientists Vladimir Goati and Milan Jovanović considered the constitution to be semi-presidential.80Goati Vladimir https://www.cesid.rs/images/IZBORI%20U%20SRJ%20OD%201990_%20DO%201998.pdf Izbori u SRJ: od 1990. do 1998.: volja građana ili izborna manipulacija; Dodatak: Izbori 2000 2001 CeSID Belgrade 37 sr Elections in the FRY: from 1990 to 1998: the will of the citizens or electoral manipulation; Appendix: 2000 elections Results According to political scientist Robert Thomas, the call for boycott from the opposition were largely ignored because of the national themes that were presented in the referendum.70 One voter from Mokrin self-immolated outside of a voting station after voting. He left a message on the reverse of his ballot paper referring to himself as "the new Jan Palach". Preliminary results published shortly after the referendum showed that a majority of voters approved it. Official results were published by RIK on 3 July, with them reporting that there were no irregularities or objections and that the voter turnout was 78%.Ignjatović Časlav Izveštaj o rezultatima izjašnjavanja građana u Socijalističkoj Republici Srbiji na republičkom referendumu, održanom 1. i 2. jula 1990. godine, radi potvrđivanja odluke Skupštine Socijalističke Republike Srbije da se donese novi Ustav SR Srbije Report on the results of the declaration of citizens in the Socialist Republic of Serbia at the republican referendum, held on 1 and 2 July 1990, in order to confirm the decision of the Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Serbia to adopt a new Constitution of the SR of Serbia Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia 3 July 1990 35 1324 http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6421 29 July 2024 sr 0351-5613 9 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240709195727/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6421 live The lowest turnout was in Kosovo, where Kosovo Albanians boycotted.70 Political scientist Mijodrag Radojević questioned the results due to the very high turnout in specific areas of Serbia.193 5162320 141137 27505 6813790 Republic Electoral Commission Aftermath In the aftermath of the referendum, the government of Serbia dissolved the Assembly of SAP Kosovo and its government.6 July 1990 East bloc in brief https://www.proquest.com/docview/244120046 11 July 2024 Calgary Herald B8 244120046 11 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240711162041/https://www.proquest.com/docview/244120046 live This was done in response to the proclamation of the Republic of Kosova on 2 July. "They tried to declare Kosovo a republic and by that they endangered Serbia and Yugoslavia", Sokolović said.6 July 1990 Ethnic Albanians fired https://newspaperarchive.com/logan-herald-journal-jul-06-1990-p-5/ 9 July 2024 The Herald Journal, Associated Press 5 9 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240709195721/https://newspaperarchive.com/logan-herald-journal-jul-06-1990-p-5/ live This move was condemned by Amnesty International and the European Parliament. The Associated Press reported that this decision "is likely to cause more unrest by the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo". Ibrahim Rugova, the president of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), said that "the decision to dissolve the regional parliament is an illegal one". The government of Serbia additionally restricted the media in Kosovo. This included Rilindja and Zeri i rinisë newspapers and Radio Television of Pristina.Sokolović Zoran 5 July 1990 Odluka o preduzimanju privremenih mera društvene zaštite samoupravnih prava i društvene svojine u složenom društvenom preduzeću "Rilindja" i listovima "Rilindja" i "Zeri e rinis" Decision on undertaking temporary social protection measures of self-governing rights and social property in the complex social enterprise "Rilindja" and the newspapers "Rilindja" and "Zeri i rinisë" http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6414 Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia sr 34 1311–1312 0351-5613 29 July 2024 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729182205/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6414 live 5 July 1990 Odluka o preduzimanju privremenih mera društvene zaštite samoupravnih prava i društvene svojine u složenoj organizaciji udruženog rada Radio-televiziji Priština i radnim organizacijama Radio-Priština, Televizija Priština i predjanici i veze Decision on taking temporary measures of social protection of self-governing rights and social property in the complex organisation of joint work Radio-Television Pristina and the working organisations Radio-Pristina, Television Pristina and affiliates and connections http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6413 Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia sr 34 1309–1311 0351-5613 29 July 2024 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729182206/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6413 live The 700,000 registered Kosovo Albanians boycotted the 1990 general elections.Sejdinović Nedim 17 November 2021 Sa njima nema neizvesnosti There is no uncertainty with them https://vreme.com/vreme/sa-njima-nema-neizvesnosti/ 10 July 2024 Vreme sr 10 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240710214507/https://vreme.com/vreme/sa-njima-nema-neizvesnosti/ live 9 December 2020 Trideset godina od prvih višestranačkih i predsedničkih izbora u Srbiji Thirty years since the first multi-party and presidential elections in Serbia https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/468442/Trideset-godina-od-prvih-visestranackih-i-predsednickih-izbora-u-Srbiji 10 July 2024 Politika sr 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729182207/https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/468442/Trideset-godina-od-prvih-visestranackih-i-predsednickih-izbora-u-Srbiji live Rugova said that "to participate in these elections would mean that we accept the conditions the Serbians have imposed upon us".Harden Blaine 10 December 1990 Ethnic Albanians Boycott Key Election in Yugoslav Province https://www.proquest.com/docview/307315984 14 July 2024 The Washington Post A20 307315984 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729182207/https://www.proquest.com/docview/307315984 live SPS was formed on 17 July and the Assembly of SR Serbia adopted the Law on Political Organisations in the same month.14310Vladisavljević Sreten 27 September 1990 Rešenje o upisu političkih organizacija u registar političkih organizacija Decision on registration of political organisations in the register of political organisations http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6669 Official Gazette of the Socialist Republic of Serbia sr 55 2266–2267 0351-5613 29 July 2024 9 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240709195724/http://bpp.uzzpro.gov.rs/(X(1)S(ezlzjf55vdcwh1iybweuw0jj))/Register.aspx?oznaka=6669 live This allowed SPS, DS, SNO, SPO, and others to become registered political parties in the now-multi-party system. Later in September, UOS organised another protest, demanding a ninety-day election campaign, more television airtime for opposition parties, and representation of the opposition in bodies that oversee the elections.14471 Around 50,000 demonstrators attended the protest.Ribić Vladimir 2013 Akciona osnova političke mobilizacije srpske opozicije u 1990. godini Action basis of the political mobilisation of the Serbian opposition in 1990 Antropologija sr 13 3 1452-724355 Milošević declined to accept their demands.144 The opposition later demanded that the number of collected signatures to participate in the elections be lowered, considering that for the parliamentary election, the initial number of needed signatures was 500, while for the presidential elections, it was 10,000.81 The government accepted their proposal and lowered the number of required signatures for both elections to 100.81 The new constitution of Serbia was then officially proclaimed on 28 September and general elections were called for 9 December.14455–56 During the campaign period of the general election, according to Mihailović and Jovanović, SPS held an incalculable advantage due to the 160,000,000 funds it gained at its formation.83 Additionally, SPS retained control over a majority of television, radio, and newspapers.Čongradin Snežana 9 December 2022 Kako je Milošević potukao SPO i DS očiglednom medijskom kontrolom: Pre 32 godine održani prvi višestranački izbori u Srbiji How Milošević beat SPO and DS with obvious media control: The first multi-party elections in Serbia were held 32 years ago https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/kako-je-milosevic-potukao-spo-i-ds-ociglednom-medijskom-kontrolom-pre-32-godine-odrzani-prvi-visestranacki-izbori-u-srbiji/ 10 July 2024 Danas sr 10 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240710214507/https://www.danas.rs/vesti/politika/kako-je-milosevic-potukao-spo-i-ds-ociglednom-medijskom-kontrolom-pre-32-godine-odrzani-prvi-visestranacki-izbori-u-srbiji/ live Bohlen Celestine 9 December 1990 Serbian Voting Today Could Signal A Major Turn in Yugoslavia's Future https://www.proquest.com/docview/108439731 11 July 2024 The New York Times 22 108439731 SPS used the media to attack their political opponents and discredit candidates such as Drašković.83Doder Duško 9 December 1990 Serbs threaten breakup of Yugoslavia https://www.proquest.com/docview/436315719 14 July 2024 Toronto Star H2 436315719 29 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240729182717/https://www.proquest.com/docview/436315719 live Opposition parties lacked funding and infrastructure during the campaign.1183 The general elections ultimately saw SPS win a supermajority of seats in the National Assembly due to the first-past-the-post system, despite winning less than 50% of the popular vote.2674 Dragutin Zelenović of SPS was elected prime minister of Serbia after the elections.151 References 1990s Serbia Politics Socialism Communism Constitutional Serbia Serbia Serbia 1990 1990