Electoral Systems and Laws

Choosing the type of electoral system is one of the most important institutional decisions for any democracy. Electoral systems can be classified into groups based on the processes by which they translate votes into seats. The three main groups are plurality/majority systems, mixed systems and proportional systems, as well as others that do not fit easily into these categories.

Different electoral systems and laws can result in different outcomes in terms of the representation of women. The type of electoral system is, therefore, a key variable in accounting for why some countries have higher levels of female representation than others do. This Web site contains documents explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different electoral systems and how they can be used in combination with quotas to increase the representation of women and facilitate their participation.

From the Library

Explaining Women’s Representation: The Role of Legislative Recruitment & Electoral Systems

This paper examines the principal steps involved in the process of recruiting individuals to countries’ legislatures. It also looks at the effect of development, culture, and a country’s electoral system on women’s representation.

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Gender and Elections in Lesotho: Perspectives on the 2002 Elections

This paper analyzes access and participation of women in Lesotho's 2002 elections. It also describes history of gender equality in Lesotho, and highlights international and regional agreements serving as a tool for promoting women in politics.

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Gender, Women and Electoral Politics in Zimbabwe

This paper analyzes electoral processes, national legislative framework, and the impact of international and regional agreements on Zimbabwe's elections. It also describes specific problems faced by women as candidates such as hostility from men, insufficient funding, and resistance to quotas.

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