Electoral systems and representation

The present contribution addresses the question of how electoral systems connect to political representation. Indeed, electoral systems are not just a mere technical tool governing the process through which voters' preferences are translated into votes and votes are translated into seats. They are much more than that. Electoral systems incorporate a distinct principle of representation, capable of shaping the chain of the delegation going from voters to parties and representatives, and finally to the government. As such, they may be conceived as instruments of democracy. From this point of view, the differences between the majoritarian and the proportional principles of representation are to be scrutinized. The case of mixed electoral systems, combining majoritarian and proportional arrangements, is also discussed here.