ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION

Abstract

Electoral systems are fundamental to shaping democratic representation, influencing how votes translate into political power and the quality of governance. This article examines the major types of electoral systems—majoritarian, proportional representation, and mixed systems—and their implications for political representation, party systems, and voter behavior. It explores theoretical debates surrounding representation, accountability, and inclusiveness, analyzing empirical evidence on how different electoral rules impact the diversity of elected bodies and democratic legitimacy. The study also discusses challenges such as electoral fairness, minority representation, and the trade-offs between stability and inclusivity, providing policy recommendations for optimizing electoral design in diverse democratic contexts.