FACTBOX - Scenarios for Serbia after PM dissolves government

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica dissolved his government on Saturday, blaming pro-Western coalition partners for abandoning the defence of Kosovo.

Here are some scenarios for what could happen next:

GOVERNMENT MEETS ON MONDAY

In theory, the Democratic Party and G17 Plus party could oppose the formal dissolution of the cabinet because they have 17 ministerial posts to Kostunica's 8. They could launch a lengthy procedure to elect a new government from the same parliament. But both parties say they would prefer a snap election.

PRESIDENT DISSOLVES PARLIAMENT

President Boris Tadic, head of the Democratic Party, would order the dissolution of the parliament. Elections must be held within 60 days, with the most likely date being May 11, when local elections are scheduled to take place.

KOSOVO, EU ARE THE ONLY CAMPAIGN ISSUES

The campaign will expose deep fault lines in Serbian society, asking Serbs to decide if defending their claim to Kosovo, which declared independence on Feb 17 with Western backing, is more important than joining the European Union.

The Democrats and G17 Plus will highlight the practical benefits EU membership will bring in terms of investment, jobs and better living standards, while being lukewarm on Kosovo.