Why did the Netherlands adopt nationwide proportional representation? The Dutch prioritised proportionality above all else when creating their system of proportional representation; choosing a single nationwide constituency and a very low threshold. This is different to most countries which try to balance local... Posted 01 Apr 2023
How many countries around the world use proportional representation? Proportional representation is the most popular form of democracy for countries in the world today. Proportional Representation isn’t one electoral system though, it’s the simple idea that the strength of each faction in parliament should... Posted 20 Mar 2023
How do elections work in Estonia? Estonia is undoubtedly one of eastern Europe’s biggest success stories since the collapse of communism – its economy has developed quickly (with a GDP (PPP) per capita now on a par with Japan) and it... Posted 25 Feb 2023
What are the alternatives to First Past the Post? Westminster’s First Past the Post system means we don’t get a parliament that fully represents the voting public. Millions of people can support one party and get a single MP, while a few hundred thousand... Posted 19 Jan 2023
How do elections work in Latvia? Latvia’s election this Saturday (1st October) has been in the calendar for a while – a referendum is required to dissolve the Latvian parliament early. Such a vote can be called either by the president,... Posted 15 Sep 2022
How do elections work in Sweden? Sunday 11th September is election day in Sweden – where voters can elect a new parliament and decide the make-up of the country’s regional and municipal councils – all Swedish political bodies are elected to... Posted 29 Aug 2022
Do all countries have by-elections? Filling parliamentary vacancies around the world This Thursday (23rd June), voters in the constituencies of Tiverton and Honiton, and Wakefield go to the polls in by-elections caused by the scandal-related resignations of their previous MPs. By-elections allow voters to pick a... Posted 21 Jun 2022
Wales can lead the way and deliver a parliament fit for the 21st Century Reform of the Senedd has been discussed since its inception. When it opened in 1999 it had just 60 members, no government function and limited powers. While the powers of the Senedd and the function... Posted 18 May 2022
How do elections work in Slovenia? The process of democratisation since the collapse of communism has not been uniform across eastern Europe, but some countries, such as the Baltic states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are now drawing level with established... Posted 21 Apr 2022
As Portugal heads to the polls – how do Portuguese elections work? Portugal is holding a snap election at the end of the month after parliament rejected the budget proposed by António Costa’s government last autumn. Posted 04 Jan 2022