The Proportional Electoral Systems in the Western Balkans Countries: A Comparative Approach

Abstract

Representative democracy is closely related to elections and voting. Electoral systems can shape not only the electoral success of minority candidates but also the tactics employed by majority parties to engage with or marginalize minority voter groups, as well as the degree of inclusivity in the composition of candidate slates. Electoral systems can be defined and categorized concerning - How many representatives are elected from each constituency? Does the electoral system employ a plurality, majority, or a form of proportional representation? What is the required threshold for parties and candidates to secure representation? These elements determine the seats in the parliament and the winning parties. This paper does not intend to provide an exhaustive exploration of the broad subject of electoral systems. Rather, its objective is to offer an overview of the electoral systems in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on examining the key features of proportional representation systems employed in these countries. Proportional representation systems are applied in the countries under consideration, therefore analytical and comparative research will be the focus of the paper. From the short comparative analysis of this paper on the electoral systems in the countries of the Western Balkans, similarities and differences between them are observed. As a result, we will try to understand which of the criteria and formulas used provides better representation and governance for these countries.

Received: 25 September 2023 / Accepted: 26 October 2023 / Published: 23 November 2023