Proportionality, but which one? Comparison of various levels and types of proportionality of electoral reform alternatives under consideration in 2021. Cover Image

Poměrnost, ale jaká? Srovnání různých úrovní a typů proporcionalit zvažovaných alternativ volební reformy z roku 2021
Proportionality, but which one? Comparison of various levels and types of proportionality of electoral reform alternatives under consideration in 2021.

Author(s): Ivan Jarabinský, Miroslav Líbal, Jan Oreský
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Fakulta sociálních věd
Keywords: elections; electoral reform; proportionality; Chamber of Deputies; Czechia

Summary/Abstract: In response to a limited discussion on proportionality of the Czech electoral reform from early 2021, this article focuses on the proportionality of alternatives proposed through the lens of its various conceptions and levels of measurement. We model electoral results based on five official electoral bills. A mixture of various perspectives of proportionality demonstrated on electoral results since 2002 offers a complex picture of different interpretations of proportionality of analysed electoral systems. Overall proportionality of these electoral systems is high, although not necessarily through the perspective of each individual party in scrutiny. The proportionality of representation within individual electoral districts depends on the definition of proportionality. Finally, analysed electoral rules differ in their ability to achieve representation of electoral districts compared to their utility in achieving partisan proportionality. The level of partisan proportionality of the new electoral law is similar to the previous rules but it sidelines proportionality of representation of electoral districts.

  • Issue Year: 14/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 36-56
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Czech