Proportional Representation and the Fortunes of Right-Wing Extremist Parties

Carter, E. L.

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between electoral systems and extremist political parties. Focusing on the West European parties of the extreme right, it first investigates the extent to which district magnitude and electoral formula - the two main dimensions of electoral systems - influence the scores of these parties. It then considers the overall impact of the disproportionality of the electoral system. The article concludes that whilst proportional electoral systems do undeniably make it easier for extremist parties to gain legislative representation, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that they promote extremism. Instead, the share of the vote going to extremist parties appears unrelated to the type of electoral system employed.

Citation

Carter, E. L. (2002). Proportional Representation and the Fortunes of Right-Wing Extremist Parties. West European Politics, 25(3), 125-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/713601617

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jan 10, 2011
• Publication Date: 2002-07
• Deposit Date: May 17, 2024
• Journal: West European Politics
• Print ISSN: 0140-2382
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-9655
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 125-146
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/713601617
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/829222