Italy approves controversial electoral overhaul under Meloni

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 15:31 · Archive

Italy's parliament has approved changes to its electoral system championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Italy's parliament has approved fiercely contested changes to its electoral system in a secret ballot. Lawmakers voted 227 to 164 in favour of the reforms championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The move changes Italy from a hybrid system, in which about a third of members are chosen through first-past-the-post voting and the rest through proportional representation, to a fully proportional system.

Under the new rules, any coalition winning the most votes with a share exceeding 42% will be awarded 105 additional seats in parliament (70 in the lower house and 35 in the senate). Parties proposing to form a coalition will be required to put forward their joint candidate for prime minister and their political programme before any general election. Meloni has argued the changes will deliver more stable government and boost the chance of clear winners.

Opposition parties say the reforms are designed to keep Meloni's right-wing coalition in power and accuse the government of distorting representation. They held up signs decrying the law as a "scam" when the result was announced. Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the changes in Italy's constitutional court, arguing the bonus seat element distorts voter representation. Meloni had warned she could resign and trigger an early election if the plans were rejected.

How it is being reported

• Giorgia Meloni wins vote on controversial ‘bonus seat’ changes to electoral systemItaly’s opposition parties vow to challenge law in court, arguing that rewarding those with 42% of support distorts public representation Europe live – latest updates A controversial overhaul to electoral law that critics say is aimed at boosting Giorgia Meloni’s chances of clinging on to power in elections next year has been given final approval by the Italian parliament. Meloni, the Italian prime minister, says the new system, which introduces a fully proportional model, including bonus seats for any coalition that wins the most votes, will bring about greater political stability, while…The Guardian · 8 Oct, 14:42
• Italy overhauls electoral system after fiercely contested debatePrime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the move will deliver more stable government, but opposition parties say her aim is to stay in power.BBC World · 8 Oct, 13:02

In this story: Giorgia Meloni · Italy · Brothers of Italy · Forza Italia · League

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