The Japanese House of Councillors election 1998 in comparative perspective

The Japanese House of Councillors is elected by a two-vote electoral system that is a unique combination of non-unique components. As such, it provide s a useful case to examine theories about the impact of electoral systems o n the number of parties that will compete nationally and within each consti tuency, and on the level of proportionality. The election is considered wit hin a comparative context provided by two-vote elections in Germany, New Ze aland, Scotland and Wales. It emerges that the level of vote-splitting in G ermany, though extensively studied, is relatively low in comparative terms, The extent and impact of malapportionment are also examined. (C) 2001 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.