Electoral systems provide the framework that guarantees people the right to have a voice in how they are governed. Countries need to consider historical, cultural, and social factors in the choice of an electoral system and to engage stakeholders in the discussion to increase the likelihood that the electorate will accept the legitimacy of elections. Ill-conceived electoral systems can undermine popular support for democratic governance, while well-designed electoral systems can help to encourage popular participation and ensure the long-term success of democracy.
About the Authors
Richard W. Soudriette
Richard W. Soudriette has been president of IFES (established as the International Foundation for Election Systems) since 1988. The author of numerous articles, he is currently coauthoring a book on the importance of election management in advancing democracy.
Andrew Ellis is head of the Electoral Processes Team at International IDEA in Stockholm. He has previously worked for the National Democratic Institute and the European Commission.
The worldwide popularity of runoff rules for presidential elections has grown strikingly in recent decades. In Latin America, contrary to scholarly expectations, this shift has had important benefits for democracy.
