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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Ethnic identity and institutional design: choosing an electoral system for divided societies
Author:Fessha, YonatanISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:The Comparative and International Law Journal of Southern Africa (ISSN 0010-4051)
Volume:42
Issue:3
Pages:323-338
Language:English
Geographic terms:Ethiopia
South Africa
Subjects:electoral systems
plural society
ethnicity
parliamentary representation
Abstract:Institutional design is increasingly considered an important part of States' response to the challenges of ethnic diversity. Focus here is on one particular aspect of the design of democratic institutions, the voting system. Drawing on the experience of two multi-ethnic States, South Africa and Ethiopia, the author examines the impact of the electoral system in establishing a representative lower house of parliament. He suggests that supplementing institutional arrangements that seek to respond to the multi-ethnic challenge with a proportional electoral system enhances the representativeness of the lower house and fosters inclusivity. The effect of an electoral system on the representation of ethnic groups should, however, not be evaluated in abstract. The choice of the proportional electoral system is not motivated by its capacity to ensure a broader representation of different ethnic groups. This can be achieved by the plurality system as well, provided that the different ethnic groups are generally territorially concentrated. The reason for the choice of the proportional electoral system lies in its capacity to contribute to interethnic solidarity and social cohesion by encouraging parties to develop a State-wide objective. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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