The Role of the Eu, Oppostion and Third Sector in the 1998 Election: What Has Ushered Slovakia into a New Democratic

In the aftermath of postcommunism, Slovakia did not consolidate liberal democracy. Yet the 1998 election did eventually trigger the democratic breakthrough in Slovakia. Thus this dissertation reflects upon what ushered Slovakia into a new democratic era following the pivotal election. It casts doubt at the European Union’s leverage as being a deus ex machina for rejecting an illiberal democracy. Instead, it argues that genuine internalisation of democratic norms occurred within the political opposition and civil society, due to the domestic political encroachments of the ruling government. Stimulated by the third sector, the Slovak citizens woke from their ‘civic slumber’ to defend their right to live in a country that could boast a respect for democracy and rule of law, international recognition and inclusion in the sphere of Western civilisation. Note: Throughout this dissertation, the terms the Slovak Republic and Slovakia are used interchangeably, both referring to the same country.