ELECTORAL SYSTEMS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: more democracy, more accountability?

Abstract

This research paper is produced in the course of the project funded by the European Fund for the Balkans, analyzing outcomes of different electoral rules across the Western Balkans. Multinational research team examined the electoral mechanisms with regard to the specific value-oriented methodology , based on principles of democracy and accountability. Although all analyzed societies use proportional representation model, they substantially differ in the number of constituencies, openness of the electoral lists, and also other specific rules related to the seat allocation and affirmative action for minority groups, which altogether produces different effects for political actors and citizens alike. The paper will also include a list of possible recommendations for improvements, intended for policy makers, researchers and the general public.