Mixed electoral systems: a conceptual and empirical survey

Until recently, mixed electoral systems have attracted minimal academic att ention. Recent developments warrant reconsideration. At present no less tha n 29 countries, totalling about one-fifth of the world's population, use mi xed systems for elections to their first or single chamber. However, there is no consensus in the literature as to whether mixed electoral systems are in a category of their own. Numerous scholars use the concept but do not a gree on what it means exactly. We propose a rigorous definition of mixed sy stems, and argue that electoral systems should not be classified as mixed f or the sole reason that they produce results in between those resulting fro m plurality or majority and PR. Rather, the crucial feature of a mixed syst em is that its mechanics involves both PR and plurality or majority. We dis tinguish between independent and dependent combinations, the latter corresp onding to those cases where the application of one formula depends on the o utcome produced by the other formula. We identify five basic types of hybri ds: superposition (now exemplified by Japan), correction (Germany), coexist ence (French Senate), fusion (French municipal elections) and conditional ( the 1923 and 1953 Italian election laws). Existing and older systems are cl assified under those headings and their main features are described. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.