Electoral systems

Electoral systems are the main democratic mechanism for the formation of power. The formation of this mechanism took place for quite a long time.

Electoral systems are specific political institutions. They are connected with the device of elections. Electoral systems provide for certain methods of voting and determining the results. In addition, they are related to the distribution of seats between parties.

All electoral systems include certain components. Among them, it should be noted:

1. Suffrage. This element reflects the system of rules of law on the procedure for elections. This (in a narrow sense) political opportunity for a citizen to elect and be elected. In a broad sense, this concept reflects the content of relevant laws and other acts.
2. The electoral process. This element characterizes the complex of actions that take place during elections.

In the electoral process, special stages are envisaged:

1. Preparatory. In the course of this stage, registration and recording of voters, appointment of the voting date are carried out.
2. Registration, nomination of candidates.
3. Financing of elections, pre-election campaigning.
4. Voting, determination of results.

The suffrage in a democratic state system provides for the mandatory implementation of certain principles. They include, in particular:

1. Equality. This principle indicates the existence of equal rights for all deputies in the election process, equal financial and other opportunities. At the same time, each voter equally affects the result of the voting as a whole.
2. The universality. This principle indicates that every capable citizen has the opportunity to participate in elections and be elected. The electoral system of Russia provides for two qualifications - age and citizenship. So, in elections as voters citizens can participate from the age of eighteen, and as elected from twenty-one years. Other restrictions (on the property status, sexual or educational grounds) practically anywhere in the world do not work.
3. Secret ballot. This principle indicates the right of the voter not to disclose his choice. Thus, it is possible to freely express their will and eliminate pressure on the voter.
4. Immediacy. This principle indicates that the citizen casts his vote directly for the deputy, and not for the person (elector), who subsequently will vote for the candidate. The US electoral system, however, this principle does not provide for the president of the country during the election process.
5. Competitiveness. This principle reflects the existence of an alternative in the voting process. The voter has the right to choose. In addition, no one can interfere with the participation of other candidates in the voting.
6. Publicity. This principle indicates the possibility of the public to ensure control over the conduct of elections. This principle is manifested in the presence of independent observers.
7. Freedom of Election. Speech, in this case, is about the voluntary participation of a citizen in the electoral process. In this case, no one can exert pressure on a person.
8. Limited time for elections. This principle indicates that the electoral process can not be postponed or postponed unless there are established good reasons for this in accordance with the law.

The main types of electoral systems include:

1. The majority. In this case, the principle of "majority" operates. The candidate for whom the greatest number of votes was cast becomes the candidate.
2. A system of relative majority. In this case, the elected is considered to be a deputy who has gained a simple majority. At the same time, less than half of the votes may be enough to win.
3. Absolute majority. In this case, the elected deputy is considered elected, who collected fifty percent plus one more vote. Such a system is typical for the presidential elections in Russia and France.
4. Proportional. This system provides that each nominated party receives a number of mandates, which is proportional to the votes cast for it at the elections.
5. Mixed (majority-proportional) system. When distributing mandates in this case, the elements of majority and proportional elections are used.

Thus, it becomes clear that there are many types of electoral systems. And deal with this issue should not only politicians, but also ordinary citizens.