The International IDEA Handbook of Electoral System Design

The International IDEA Handbook of Electoral System Design is an easy-to-use guide describing what factors to consider when modifying or designing an electoral system. Created for policy-makers, politicians and election administrators it is also an excellent tool for students. The handbook gives practical information explaining why certain countries choose different systems, and how over countries have modified inherited systems. It describes which electoral systems have proven advantageous for specific cultural, social and economic conditions, and how electoral systems can increase participation, reach-out to minorities, and help instill faith in a skeptical electorate. The Handbook includes: * A precise and simple to understand explanation of the electoral systems in use in more than 200 independent states and related territories. * An explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of using different electoral systems. * Case studies, written by regional experts, explaining how and why electoral systems were adopted and modified in Bolivia, Chile,Finland,Germany,India,Ireland,Jordan,Mali,New Zealand,Papua New Guinea,South Africa, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.* An analysis of which electoral systems have facilitated the representation of women and minorities.