ANALYSIS OF ELECTORAL PROCESS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH DEMOCRACY AND ECONOMIC INDEX IN THE BALKAN COUNTRIES, 2011–2021

Abstract

The results of a comparative analysis based on the Electoral Integrity Index, evaluated for the period 2011–2021 in the Balkan countries are this paper’s objectives. Referring to perceptions of the level of fulfillment of international standards for democratic elections (PEI), the Balkan region is classified in the group of countries belonging to the “Moderate” category. In the Balkan countries, the positive relationship between the electoral process and the development of liberal democracy is evident, while the level of corruption is a factor that has a significant effect on the electoral process. Clusters analysis performed using estimates of distances between indicators related to the electoral process, the development of a liberal democracy, general economic development and the level of corruption present significant distances. The development of liberal democracy in Balkan countries is conditioned by the level of realization of synergy in the interaction between different factors. This paper aims to identify the legal framework in the details of Balkan countries related to electoral reform, going through recommendations through comparison and quantitative methodology and bringing Czech legislative dimension as a smart solution of problems that countries face in the electoral process.