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Introduction
Conclusion
Introduction:
Elections are a crucial stage in the life of political systems, as they reflect the
will of the people and determine their destiny. Through voting, citizens can
express their choices and preferences, participating in shaping the policies and
programs implemented by governments. Consequently, elections play a vital
role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the principles of democratic
governance.
Language: "Elect" and "election" are derived from the concept of choice,
implying the selection of a representative for governance or decision-making in
a council or association.
1
Saad Al-Sharqawi, Constitutional Law and the Evolution of the Egyptian Political System,
Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, Cairo, 2012, p. 155
2
Mohammed Akli Qazou, Lessons in Constitutional Jurisprudence and Political Systems, Dar
Al-Khaldoonia, Algeria, 2006, p. 110
19th century in countries like Britain, France, and the United States, albeit in a
limited manner. Over time, with societal development, elections have evolved
into complex systems governed by interconnected laws and regulations.
4. Oversight and Monitoring: Citizens can monitor and oversee the elected
bodies they have chosen.
Section 3: Conditions Necessary for Electoral Participation3
- Age Requirement: All electoral laws worldwide stipulate a minimum age for
citizens to become eligible voters, ranging from 18 to 25 years old.
- Right to Enjoy Civil and Political Rights: Some states may deny certain
individuals the right to vote, including children, individuals with mental
illnesses, those convicted of dishonorable crimes, and members of the military
in some countries like the French Third Republic.
3
Taema Al-Jarf, Constitutional Law, Modern Renaissance Library, Cairo, 1964, p. 143
Chapter 2: Methods of Elections
List-based elections, on the other hand, divide the state into larger electoral
districts represented by multiple deputies. Voters choose between the lists or
electoral slates, which may vary depending on the electoral system.
4
Ibrahim Drouiche, Constitutional Law, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, Cairo, 1996, p. 105
5
Mohamed Fouad Al-Nadi, Concise Guide to Political and Constitutional Systems, Publisher
Not Mentioned, 2001, p. 73
Section 3: Open and Secret Balloting6
6
Saeed Boualcheir, Constitutional Law and Political Systems, Part One, Diwan Al-Matbuat
Al-Jamiya, Algeria, 2000, p. 98
Chapter 3: Electoral Systems
This system is suitable for both individual and list-based elections. It allows
candidates or parties, if the constituency is represented by more than one, to win
seats if they obtain more than half of the absolute votes cast. If no candidate
receives more than half of the votes, the elections are repeated according to the
prevailing electoral system. In such cases, either a runoff election is held
between the top two candidates or the elections are rerun without adhering to the
principle of an absolute majority, with a simple majority sufficing.
This system aligns with list-based elections, where parliamentary seats are
distributed in districts according to the number of voters. It also aligns with the
principle of representing political minorities. For example, if a district has 10
seats and is contested by 4 parties, and the results yield 60% for Party A, 20%
for Party B, 10% for Party C, and 10% for Party D, the distribution of seats
would be as follows: Party A wins 6 seats, Party B wins 2 seats, and Parties C
and D each win 1 seat. In contrast, under a majority system, Party A would win
all the seats in the district, denying the other parties, which collectively garnered
40% of the votes, representation.
The proportional representation system may employ closed lists, where voters
are bound to vote for a single list without modification, or open lists, where
voters are free to choose candidates from different lists of several parties.
7
Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Sheeha, Political Systems and Constitutional Law, Manshurat Al-
Ma'arif, Alexandria, 2000, p. 207.
8
Mohammed Akli Qazou: Ibid, p. 119
Section 3: Seat Allocation Methods9
Let's assume there are elections among three parties competing for 5 seats, and
the number of votes cast in these elections is 125,000. To calculate the electoral
quotient, we divide the total number of votes by the number of seats obtained,
which equals 25,000. This means that every 5 votes worth 25,000 will result in
one seat. Now, let's assume:
- Party 1 receives 60,000 votes, securing 2 seats, with the remainder being 1,000
votes.
- Party 2 receives 49,000 votes, securing 1 seat, with the remainder being 21,000
votes.
- Party 3 receives 19,000 votes, securing 0 seats, with the remainder being
19,000 votes.
The total seats obtained are 3 out of 5. Hence, we need to allocate the remaining
seats as follows:
We calculate based on the largest remainder from the party closest to the
electoral quotient, which is Party 2 with 21,000 votes/1 seat. So, Party 2 wins
another seat.
9
Saad Al-Sharqawi, Political Systems in the Contemporary World, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya,
Cairo, 2008, p. 97.
This is a brief explanation of how seats are distributed based on the number of
votes.
Chapter 4: Levels of Election and Ensuring their Integrity
At this level, authorities and powers are elected at the local level within a single
state. Typically, the division is based on specific geographical areas, such as
electing local councils to manage various residential communities (cities,
villages, etc.). This process aims to elect authorities with specific jurisdiction
related to the location itself, often involving entities to administer the affairs and
interests of citizens in these communities, such as electing municipal or village
councils.
The principle of electoral integrity is one of the most important principles that
constitutions and parties strive to protect due to its implications for the practice
of democracy, ensuring that elections are democratic. To achieve its goal,
several essential conditions must be met, including:
10
Mohammed Akli Qazou, Ibid, p. 133
11
Fatima Al-Zahra Gharibi, Principles of Constitutional Law and Political Systems, Dar Al-
Dhahah for Publishing and Distribution, Djelfa, Algeria, 2015, p. 52.
12
Saeed Boualcheir, p. 110.
2. Regularity, meaning that elections are held at appropriate intervals.
3. Universality, meaning they are available to all who meet the election criteria.
Saeed Boualcheir, Constitutional Law and Political Systems, Part One, Diwan
Al-Matbuat Al-Jamiya, Algeria, 2000, p. 98