Open AccessParty Fragmentation, the Proportional System and Democracy in Slovenia
Author(s) -
Danica FinkHafner,
Miroslav Novák
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
political studies review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.806
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1478-9302
pISSN - 1478-9299
DOI - 10.1177/14789299211059450
Subject(s) - democratization , legitimacy , democracy , electoral system , virtuous circle and vicious circle , political science , political system , politics , multi party system , political economy , accountability , single non transferable vote , public administration , economic system , economics , law , keynesian economics
In Slovenia, political parties have been the key actors in opting for a proportional electoral system and constitutional choice of a parliamentary system, both of which are believed to help to develop a consensual type of democracy. However, a vicious circle involving a fragmented party system and a proportional electoral system has not only led to polarisation within the party system, but has also contributed to problems of democratic governability and legitimacy. The destabilisation of the party system since 2011 has not only caused a crisis of political legitimacy and accountability, but has also contributed to a recent trend of de-democratisation. At the moment, there does not appear to be a realistic alternative to the existing electoral rules in the near future, in spite of recurring calls by an anti-communist party (Slovenian Democratic Party) to introduce a majoritarian system.