The Paradoxical Case of the Parliamentary Elections in 2012 – a Plus-sized Parliament

Abstract

In our study we have analyzed the way in which the application of the Law no. 35/2008 on election for the Chamber of Deputies and Senate reflected upon the structure of the Romanian Parliament during the 2008-2012 term of office, and especially upon the look of the „plus-sized” Parliament that followed the elections in 2012. We have also highlighted the severe deficiencies that featured the type of ballot used during the parliamentary elections in 2008 and 2012, as well as the multiple flaws that emerged while organizing the two parliamentary ballots, and we have put forth a number of solutions designed to improve the legislative framework. These solutions could be regarded as food for thought for the political deciders with respect to the upcoming electoral reform.

Keywords

• electoral system
• parliamentary elections
• deficiencies
• representation
• legislative solutions