Democracy, Parliament and Electoral Systems, livre ebook

This book examines the importance of democracy as a system of government. Exploring various forms of democratic government throughout the world, the essays assess how democracy works in theory and in practice.
Chapters cover how to improve democracy using case studies from the Caribbean and Spain, how to make parliaments more effective through technology and the structure of parliamentary bodies. the comparative benefits of different electoral systems.
The contributors also examine problems thrown up by various recent elections including the American election in 2000, Sri Lanka, Poland and various African experiences.
Foreword by Arthur Donahoe, QC, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, 1992 — 2001

Preface

1. Introduction: Democracy, Parliaments and Electoral Systems

PART I – BUILDING DEMOCRACY

2. Enhancing democracy: A Caribbean Perspective

3. Improving Transparency and Integrity in Political Processes

4. The Spanish Transition: Dictatorship to Democracy

PART II – MAKING PARLIAMENTS MORE EFFECTIVE

5. Strengthening Parliament’s Role

6. Do Unicameral or Bicameral Parliaments Function More Effectively?

7. Information Technology and Parliamentary Effectiveness

PART III – ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES

8. Alternative Electoral Systems

9. Mandatory Voting: Pros and Cons

10. Gender Equality and Electoral Systems

11. Holding Elections: The Mechanics

12. External Influences on Electoral Processes

i) Exit Polls, Time Zones and Election Length

ii) Opinion Polls and the Media

PART IV – COUNTRY BASED INSIGHTS ON ELECTORAL ISSUES

13. Ethnically Divided Polities: The Case of Sri Lanka

14. The United States Presidential Election: Year 2000

15. Disputed Election Results: Various African Experiences

16. Evolving Electoral Systems: The Experience of Poland

17. The New Zealand Experience of Changing Electoral Systems

Afterword

Appendices