Karakteristike novog parlamenta Republike Srbije, nakon izbora održanih 24. aprila 2016

More than 40% of cities and municipalities do not have a representative in the parliament. The new parliament consists of 102 cities and municipalities, out of a total of 174 local government units in the country. This means that the remaining 72 cities and municipalities (41%) do not have a representative in the highest legislative body. The region of Belgrade has the largest number of representatives, with 105 members, while the region of Šumadija and western Serbia has 55 representatives, despite having 200,000 more inhabitants than the Belgrade region. The region of Vojvodina has 51 representatives, which is 30% fewer than the number that would ensure equal representation. The region of Southern and Eastern Serbia has the lowest level of representation, with 33 members, which is three times fewer than the Belgrade region and 65% fewer than the number that would correspond to the region's population. The analysis of the representation of cities and municipalities in the parliament shows that the region of Belgrade has a significant advantage, with 30% of the total number of candidates. This advantage is even more pronounced when analyzing the first 100 candidates, where the representation of the Belgrade region increases to 42%. This means that candidates from less represented regions, contrary to the constitutional right to equal active voting rights, did not have equal chances of being elected to the parliament. To be elected, citizens of these regions had to support the most common candidates, usually from the Belgrade region. The analysis of the representation of cities and municipalities in the parliament from 2008 to 2014 shows that approximately 70% of the population was underrepresented in the National Assembly. This percentage will be even higher in the new parliament, with 76% of the population having fewer representatives than they should. Women are still underrepresented in the parliament, with 32% fewer candidates than men. Women's representation in the parliament remains a problem, as the percentage of women's representation is still at the statutory minimum. Young people are also underrepresented in the parliament, despite being 20% of the population. They will have only 8 representatives in the parliament, which is less than 3% of the total number of members. The representation of minority communities in the parliament is also a concern. The three minority communities, Hungarians, Bosniaks, and Albanians, will have their representatives in the parliament. However, the level of representation is not proportional, and the number of representatives is not sufficient to ensure equal representation. The law on political parties allows for the registration of minority parties, but in practice, this has led to the registration of parties that do not genuinely represent the interests of minority communities. This has reduced the chances of minority lists to exercise their right to participate in the parliament and has opened the door to abuse.