Reforming the electoral system

White, S. (1988) Reforming the electoral system. Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics, 4(4), pp. 1-17. (doi: 10.1080/13523278808414933)

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Abstract

The Soviet electoral system has traditionally been a highly centralized one in which no choice of candidate has been permitted. Proposals for reform, following Gorbachev's speech to the twenty‐seventh party congress in 1986, suggested at least a limited experiment with a choice of candidates in some constituencies, and the local elections of July 1987 duly took place under revised regulations in which more candidates than seats available were nominated in 23,141 constituencies (just over one per cent of the total). Although the usual elements of formalism were still present, there were some prominent casualties in the multi‐member constituencies and some evidence of more considered participation by voters. Reforms of this kind appear to be popular and may contribute to the development of somewhat more consultative forms of government in the future.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Special Issue: Gorbachev and Gorbachevism. Journal currently known as East European Politics
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:White, Professor Stephen
Authors: White, S.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics
ISSN:1352-3279
ISSN (Online):2159-9173
Published Online:12 November 2007

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