Voting Local? Electoral Rules and Geographical Representation in Europe

Bibliographic Data

ID7998069
AuthorsDušan Vučićević (0000-0002-2836-9630, University of Belgrade), Dejan Bursać (0000-0002-2998-3990, University of Belgrade, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume61
Issue2
Pages163-187
Publication date2024-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueRepresentation (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0034-4893 • E-ISSN: 1749-4001
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00344893.2024.2369768
OpenAlexW4400260428
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited53

In comparison with the expanding body of literature on representation, the number of studies examining geographical aspects of it remains relatively limited. This relates primarily to comparative analyses, but also to the array of methodological tools used to measure localness. Our study seeks to address this gap by introducing a novel measurement based on Gallagher’s index of disproportionality. Drawing on contemporary data from 27 European countries, we envisioned an operationalisation of geographical representation which prevents the expected lack of representation of small municipalities to affect the index values, instead focusing on relative population sizes in correlation with the relative number of elected MPs. We introduce the data, and then proceed to establish which country-level determinants influence the Index of territorial disproportionality. The findings indicate that district magnitude and number, parliament size, and the difference between established and new democracies have a high impact on the proportionality of local representation. On the other hand, the opening of lists for more voters’ influence within the PR list system, implemented mainly through preferential voting, appears to have no impact, indicating that parties tend to nominate (and voters tend to elect) local candidates even when institutional incentives of the electoral system are low

Democracy · Electoral system · Political science · Politics · Representation (politics · Voting · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · European Union Policy and Governance · Law · Political Systems and Governance

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