Dislocation in the Italian Political System: an Analysis of the 1968 Parliamentary Elections

Abstract

relative stability in the distribution of popular votes among the major Italian political parties. Votes for the Camera (lower chamber) with few exceptions have varied less than 4 percent for any political party from election to election, and for the Senato (upper chamber) less than 5 percent for any party from election to election. With respect to the distribution of votes among the leading parties the 1968 consultazione (election) appears to be no outstanding exception to past patterns. Nevertheless, analysis in greater depth suggests that despite the apparent continuation of previous patterns, certain fundamental changes occurred in the 1968 elections which signify potential dislocation in the Italian political system. The first significant change is the shift to the political left in the overall sympathies of the electorate. Secondly, the 1968 campaign presented a change in the meaning and relevance of the choices put before the Italian voter. Thirdly and significantly, the election results point to a change in the viability of the recently established governmental alliance the center-left formula. In 1968, the political consultazione produced different consequences and held different meanings for the several segments of the Italian party system, particularly for the major parties. Each major party interpreted the 1968 election results as having an important bearing on its future and on that of the Italian party system as a whole.