Electoral law, agreement in the center-right: proportional with majority prize
Italy's center-right coalition has reached an agreement on a new electoral law aimed at ensuring government stability, transitioning back to a proportional system with a majority bonus.
In the early hours, the majority parties in Italy's center-right coalition reached a consensus on a new electoral law designed to provide greater stability for the country. This proposed law, already being informally referred to as 'Stabilicum,' is set for final technical adjustments before being submitted for approval to the leaders of the center-right parties. This dialogue signals an attempt to address ongoing concerns about governance and electoral reliability in Italy, particularly following recent political upheavals.
The new electoral framework marks a significant shift from the previous Rosatellum voting system, abandoning its uninominal constituencies in favor of a proportional representation model. Under the new regulations, a coalition that secures more than 40% of votes will receive a majority reward, granting them an additional 70 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 35 in the Senate. Additionally, the law will introduce a second-round ballot for parties that achieve between 35% and 40% of the vote, reflecting an inclination to ensure wider representation and legitimacy in governmental structures.
However, the proposed law also limits the presence of votersโ preferences on candidate lists and alters the nomination process for a prime ministerial candidate, requiring that this be indicated in party program documents submitted to the Viminale rather than on the ballot itself. These changes represent a strategic decision to streamline the electoral process while aiming to bolster governmental stability amidst Italy's turbulent political environment.