Glossary
Authoritarian Regime
A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political pluralism, individual freedoms, and often, controlled or indirect elections.
Example:
China operates as an authoritarian regime, where the Communist Party maintains strict control over all aspects of governance and society.
Ballot Access
The legal and procedural requirements that candidates and political parties must meet to be listed on an election ballot.
Example:
In Iran, the severe restrictions on ballot access imposed by the Guardian Council limit genuine political competition.
Constituency Accountability
The degree to which elected representatives are responsible and responsive to the specific needs and interests of the voters in their geographic district.
Example:
Systems with single-member districts often promote strong constituency accountability because voters have a clear, identifiable representative for their area.
Democratization
The process by which a country moves from an authoritarian regime to a more democratic political system, characterized by increased competition, fairness, and transparency in elections.
Example:
After decades of one-party rule, a nation undergoing democratization might introduce multi-party elections and independent oversight bodies.
First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)
An electoral system, also known as plurality, where the candidate who receives the most votes in a single-member district wins the election, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority.
Example:
In a First-Past-the-Post election, a candidate could win a district with only 35% of the vote if all other candidates received fewer votes.
Gender Quotas
Policies that mandate a certain percentage of candidates or legislative seats be reserved for women, aiming to increase female political representation.
Example:
Mexico's use of gender quotas on party lists has significantly boosted the number of women serving in its legislature.
Guardian Council
A powerful unelected body in Iran responsible for vetting candidates for public office and ensuring laws comply with Islamic principles.
Example:
In Iran, the Guardian Council has the power to disqualify thousands of potential candidates, severely limiting ballot access and political competition.
Hybrid Regime
A political system that combines elements of both democratic and authoritarian rule, often featuring elections that are not fully free or fair.
Example:
Russia is often considered a hybrid regime because it holds elections but also exhibits significant state control over media and political opposition.
Independent Election Commissions
Non-partisan bodies established to administer elections, aiming to ensure fairness, transparency, and reduce fraud.
Example:
Countries like Mexico and Nigeria utilize Independent Election Commissions to build public trust in the electoral process and prevent manipulation.
Majority
A condition in an election where a candidate receives more than half (over 50%) of the total votes cast.
Example:
To win the Russian presidential election in the first round, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of the votes.
Multi-Member Districts
Electoral divisions where voters elect multiple representatives to a legislative body.
Example:
In a Multi-Member District, voters might cast ballots for several candidates, and the top vote-getters fill the available seats, often seen in systems with proportional representation.
Plurality
A condition in an election where a candidate receives the most votes, but not necessarily an absolute majority (more than 50%).
Example:
In a three-way race, a candidate winning 40% of the vote would achieve a plurality if the other two candidates received 35% and 25% respectively.
Proportional Representation (PR)
An electoral system where political parties gain seats in a legislature in proportion to the percentage of votes they receive in an election.
Example:
In a country using Proportional Representation, if the Green Party wins 15% of the national vote, they would expect to receive roughly 15% of the seats in parliament.
Representation
The extent to which the demographic characteristics and interests of the population are reflected in the composition of the legislature.
Example:
Electoral system changes can significantly impact the representation of religious minorities or women in a country's parliament.
Single-Member Districts
Electoral divisions where voters elect only one representative to a legislative body.
Example:
The United Kingdom uses Single-Member Districts, meaning each geographic area sends just one Member of Parliament to the House of Commons.
Term Limits
Constitutional or statutory restrictions on the number of times an individual can be elected or serve in a particular office.
Example:
Nigeria's president is subject to term limits, allowing for a maximum of two four-year terms in office.
Universal Suffrage
The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of wealth, income, gender, race, or other social status.
Example:
A key indicator of a democratic system is universal suffrage, ensuring that all eligible adults can participate in elections.