Electoral Systems and Minorities Representations in the Eastern European Area
Electoral Systems and Minorities Representations in the Eastern European Area

Summary/Abstract: The political integration of ethnic minorities is one of the most challenging tasks facing the countries of post-communist Europe. The roads to political representation in the mainstream political process are numerous and diverse. The results of the analysis support the paper's argument that electoral arrangements are important but no key to achieving meaningful political representation. Electoral arrangements thus seem to matter, but to mostly do so in situations where other factors of political mobilization seem to make representation uncertain. The effect of electoral arrangements on the success of ethnic parties is clearly mitigated by the size and dynamics of the minority they represent. However, there seems to be some link between the presence of ethnic parties in the political system and the level of political participation of the ethnic minority. Both Lijphart and Norris point out the importance of proportional representation for that aim, as this electoral system allows the representation of all social groups. Or, in the other words: “Majority rule is dangerous in divided societies, because minorities that are continually denied access to political power will feel excluded and discriminated against by the regime”. Undoubtedly, electoral rules have an important effect on ethnic minority representation

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