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]
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.