Dimension: 7.2.1 Representation of political diversity

This dimension concerns the legal provisions that support the representation of diverse political opinions in parliament. These provisions cover aspects such as the electoral system, the procedures for registering political parties and, if applicable, independent candidates, as well as electoral thresholds and the powers attributed to different political groups and, where applicable, independent MPs.

Show more Show less

Aspiring goal

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “representation of political diversity” is as follows:

  • The design of the electoral system ensures that the allocation of parliamentary seats accurately reflects the proportion of votes received by political parties and candidates.
  • The legal framework establishes clear and transparent procedures for registering political parties and candidates for elections, including reasonable eligibility criteria, consistent procedures and feasible deadlines.
  • Where applicable, the legal framework sets a reasonable electoral threshold for parties and/or candidates to gain seats in parliament. 

Assess your parliament against this dimension

Assessment criteria

No 1: Electoral system design

The design of the electoral system ensures that the allocation of parliamentary seats accurately reflects the proportion of votes received by political parties and candidates.

No 2: Party/candidate registration

The legal framework establishes clear and transparent procedures for registering political parties and candidates for elections, including reasonable eligibility criteria, consistent procedures and feasible deadlines. 

No 3: Electoral thresholds

Where applicable, the legal framework maintains a reasonable electoral threshold for parties and/or candidates to gain seats in parliament. 

No 4: Practice

In practice, political parties are represented in parliament in proportion to their support among the electorate. No parties or candidates are arbitrarily prevented from participating in elections or taking up seats in parliament. 

How to complete this assessment

This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based. 

The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:

  • Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework establishing an electoral system that allows different political opinions to be represented in parliament
  • Provisions of the legal framework on the delimitation/redistricting of boundaries for electoral districts
  • Provisions of electoral law on party/candidate registration
  • Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework on electoral thresholds
  • Election observation reports

Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.

Sources and further reading

  • European Commission for Democracy Democracy The belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is held either by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. Also, a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and in the interest of the polity. through Law Law A body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by a controlling authority (usually passed by parliament), which has a binding legal force and must be obeyed and followed by citizens, subject to sanctions or legal consequences. Also, the whole body of binding customs, practices or rules of a community prescribed or formally recognized and enforced by a controlling authority. See also: Act of parliament, Bill,  Law-making Law-making The legislative process or the act of legislating, i.e. the process by which laws are made. See also: Act of parliament, Law and  Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . and  Legislation Legislation A law or a set of laws that have been passed by parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law. See also: Act of parliament, Law and Law-making. . (Venice Commission), Report on thresholds and other features of electoral systems which bar parties from access to parliament (2010).
Download this indicator

Get help with this assessment

The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators. 

Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.

Download assessment guidanceGet expert advice

URL copied to clipboard