Home > 3.2 Proportional systems > ALBANIA- Joint Opinion on the Electoral Code
 
 
 
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Paragraph 17
 

The number of mandates to be allocated in each electoral zone will be based on the population. According to Annex I of the Electoral Code, the estimated voting populations of the twelve electoral zones range from 78,770 to 748,322, with an average of 264,396.[8]  Depending on the population of a region, the number of seats to be distributed could generate a natural threshold, understood as the percentage of votes needed to get one seat, as high as – or higher than – the legal thresholds of three percent (3%) and five percent (5%) imposed by Article 162 of the Electoral Code for political parties and coalitions.[9]  While this phenomenon is not unusual for this type of electoral system, it must be noted that the combined effect of the natural and legal thresholds may reduce the number of mandates won in the Assembly by smaller political parties and candidates supported by groups of voters (“independent candidates”).  Regardless of this potential effect, departure from the previous electoral system, which was subject to much abuse, is a positive development.