Chapter 11: Elections and Electoral Systems

Elections

Important events in both democracies and dictatorships, often used to fill political offices.

Electoral System

Regulates electoral competition between candidates/parties.

Electoral Formula

Determines how votes translate into seats.

Electoral Integrity

Conformance to international standards and norms in elections.

District Magnitude

The number of representatives elected per district.

Electoral Threshold

The minimum support required for representation in an electoral system.

Majoritarian Electoral Systems

Systems where the highest vote recipients win, though not all require an absolute majority.

Single-Member District Plurality (SMDP)

Voters cast one candidate-focused vote in single-member districts; also known as 'first-past-the-post'.

Single Nontransferable Vote (SNTV)

A system in multi-member districts where voters choose one candidate, and the top candidates win based on total votes.

Alternative Vote (AV)

A system where candidates must achieve an absolute majority by voters ranking preferences, with votes from eliminated candidates reallocated.

Majority-Runoff Two-Round System (TRS)

Candidates achieve an absolute majority in the first round or proceed to a second round if no majority is achieved.

Proportional Electoral Systems

Aims to reduce disparities between a party's vote share and its seat share.

Closed List PR

Voters choose parties with predetermined candidate lists, without selecting individual candidates.

Open List PR

Voters can select individual candidates from within party lists, increasing internal competition.

Free List PR

Voters can distribute multiple votes among candidates across different parties, enhancing representation.

Mixed Electoral Systems

Electoral systems that combine elements of both majoritarian and proportional systems, often involving