The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be...The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be counted （Reynolds, 2009; Reynolds, Reilly, ＆ Ellis, 2008）. Conflicts are more likely to arise if an electoral system is perceived as a system of ＂pick and choose＂. Some electoral systems may be less prone to post-election conflicts than others; and to some extent such electoral systems may also be more helpful in promoting democracy than others. In addition, studies have shown that many African countries that hold elections inherited their political systems from their former European colonial powers （Reynolds, 2009; Blanton, Mason, ＆ Athow, 2001; Young, 1986）. Such systems are less likely to work on African terrains. Therefore, designing an electoral system that can help minimize frequent occurrences of political conflict requires not only an in-depth knowledge of party systems in Africa but also a deep understanding of electoral rules of the game. This paper covers two interrelated topics： African models of electoral systems with a particular emphasis on electoral rules and democracy promotion, and elections and party systems.展开更多
文摘The choice of electoral system determines how the entire electoral process will be run. It can affect not only the size of electoral districts and the ballot structures but also who can vote and how their votes can be counted （Reynolds, 2009; Reynolds, Reilly, ＆ Ellis, 2008）. Conflicts are more likely to arise if an electoral system is perceived as a system of ＂pick and choose＂. Some electoral systems may be less prone to post-election conflicts than others; and to some extent such electoral systems may also be more helpful in promoting democracy than others. In addition, studies have shown that many African countries that hold elections inherited their political systems from their former European colonial powers （Reynolds, 2009; Blanton, Mason, ＆ Athow, 2001; Young, 1986）. Such systems are less likely to work on African terrains. Therefore, designing an electoral system that can help minimize frequent occurrences of political conflict requires not only an in-depth knowledge of party systems in Africa but also a deep understanding of electoral rules of the game. This paper covers two interrelated topics： African models of electoral systems with a particular emphasis on electoral rules and democracy promotion, and elections and party systems.
