The authorities of each country promote different regulations in multiple aspects of administration, including electoral politics (EPs). Many states across the globe have experienced political liberalization rather than democratization, with citizens voicing their concerns and selecting lower-level representatives yet not being able to choose the central leaders (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002). The heads of non-democratic nations typically allow elections to maintain power and facilitate their own interests.
EPs in many countries depend on the objectives of their heads of state. Regime type shapes the adopted electoral system through the authorities’ efforts to keep control (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002; “Rulers and rules,” n.d.). For example, in monarchies, sovereigns want to preserve their power but do not partake in popular politics, enabling electoral rules (ERs) that strengthen their stability through competition (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002). In comparison, in nations overseen by presidents, leaders also strive to maintain authority but are connected to the political game, so they facilitate ERs that endorse their political party (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002). ERs influence representation, which is wide in monarchies, to hold the kings’ positions as chief arbitrators, and presidents seem more inclined to proportional representation (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002; “Rulers and rules,” n.d.). Moreover, while sovereigns want fewer political parties for easier management, presidents may desire more contenders if the leaders’ parties remain strongest (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002). Accordingly, the kind of regime matters due to affecting liberalization, EPs alongside ERs, and the subsequent creation of new institutions (Lust-Okar & Jamal, 2002). Therefore, the objectives of the head of state impact EPs.
To summarize, the authorities of non-democratic countries usually allow elections to preserve power and promote their interests. The type of regime affects its preference for an electoral system depending on the kind of ERs that would support the ruling government. Consequently, electoral system choice is a critical element of the story in liberalizing or democratizing countries because EPs influence institutions within the state and relationships among them.
References
Lust-Okar, E., & Jamal, A. A. (2002). Rulers and rules: Reassessing the influence of regime type on electoral law formation. Comparative Political Studies, 35(3), 337-366.
Rulers and rules [PowerPoint slides]. (n.d.).