Electoral systems and party systems in Europe East and West

Birch, S. (2001) Electoral systems and party systems in Europe East and West. Perspectives on European Politics and Society, 2(3), pp. 355-377. (doi: 10.1080/1570585018458768)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1570585018458768

Abstract

This article assesses the differences in the design of electoral institutions and electoral outcomes in 20 Eastern and 20 Western European democracies. It finds broad similarities between the types of electoral systems that have been adopted in the two parts of the continent. The size and shape of the party systems that have been generated by these systems are also similar overall. Yet statistical analysis demonstrates that the electoral systems of Eastern Europe are doing far more ‘work’ than their Western counterparts to reduce the size of party systems, and that they are more likely to use exclusionary thresholds to achieve this end than manipulation of constituency size. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed with reference to the factors that impinge on electoral system design.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Birch, Professor Sarah
Authors: Birch, S.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Perspectives on European Politics and Society
ISSN:1570-5854
ISSN (Online):1568-0258

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