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The mixed local-proportional electoral system: balancing political interests and common good

Author

Listed:
  • Jarosław Flis

    (Jagiellonian University)

  • Marek M. Kaminski

    (University of California)

  • Jeremiasz Salamon

    (Kraków University of Economics)

Abstract

We propose a new electoral system, Mixed Local-Proportional (MLP), that reconciles reforms beneficial for the polity with existing political interests. The MLP system maintains the current distribution of seats among parties while addressing problematic issues with the existing Open-List Proportional Representation (OLPR) system by engineering OLPR’s intra-party properties. Key features include dividing districts into subdistricts with plurality voting, allocating proportional seats using a restricted Jefferson-D’Hondt method, and reducing the number of candidates per party. We explain the MLP system’s mechanics, simulate election results based on recent election data, and discuss variants. Expected political consequences include improved territorial representation, reduced intra-party competition, reduced voter cognitive overload, and stronger ties between voters and MPs. The Polish Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform accepted the proposal for further processing.

Suggested Citation

  • Jarosław Flis & Marek M. Kaminski & Jeremiasz Salamon, 2025. "The mixed local-proportional electoral system: balancing political interests and common good," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 204(1), pages 221-236, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:204:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-025-01286-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-025-01286-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marek M. Kaminski, 2018. "Spoiler effects in proportional representation systems: evidence from eight Polish parliamentary elections, 1991–2015," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 176(3), pages 441-460, September.
    2. José Antonio Cheibub & Gisela Sin, 2020. "Preference vote and intra-party competition in open list PR systems," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 32(1), pages 70-95, January.
    3. Federico Ferrara & Erik S. Herron, 2005. "Going It Alone? Strategic Entry under Mixed Electoral Rules," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 49(1), pages 16-31, January.
    4. Kaminski, Marek M, 1999. "How Communism Could Have Been Saved: Formal Analysis of Electoral Bargaining in Poland in 1989," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 98(1-2), pages 83-109, January.
    5. Pekkanen, Robert & Nyblade, Benjamin & Krauss, Ellis S., 2006. "Electoral Incentives in Mixed-Member Systems: Party, Posts, and Zombie Politicians in Japan," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 100(2), pages 183-193, May.
    6. Jarosław Flis & Marek M. Kaminski, 2022. "Party-related primacy effects in proportional representation systems: evidence from a natural experiment in Polish local elections," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 190(3), pages 345-363, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jarosław Flis & Bernard Grofman & Marek M. Kaminski, 2025. "Mixed electoral systems: an introduction to the special issue," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 204(1), pages 1-14, July.

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