CIAO DATE: 05/2010
March 2010
European Centre for Minority Issues
Securing adequate representation of minorities in institutions of the state is commonly described in the literature as an important mechanism for addressing issues of ethnic tensions in culturally diverse societies. A proportional electoral system is generally perceived as more friendly for representation of minority interests than a majoritarian single member district system. The introduction of the former system in a number of post-communist countries encouraged institutionalization of ethnic minority parties. These parties became a permanent part of the political landscape in South Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Romania
Resource link: Ethnic or multi-ethnic parties? Party competition and legislative recruitment in Moldova [PDF] - 413K