Simpler than its reputation: The electoral system in Denmark since 1920

Abstract

Studies of electoral systems sometimes have difficulties in puzzling out the intricacies of the Danish Folketing electoral system. This paper aims at demonstrating that this particular electoral system is less complicated than it seems. It will also be demonstrated that the system has been remarkably stable in its basic structure, not having been subjected to major changes since 1920. However, changes in some of the system's components have been introduced over the years, permitting a discussion of the effects of such changes. In order to provide an adequate understanding of the system, relevant seat allocation rules, electoral thresholds, and district magnitude problems are presented and discussed. Furthermore, the effects of these electoral law variables on the representation of parties in parliament are tested empirically. One conclusion is that the Danish electoral system is simpler than it is usually regarded. This conclusion accepts the assertion that the system's central level is the national level, where seat allocation rules provide for a very proportional representation of major as well as minor parties (above an electoral threshold). The congruity between vote and seat shares is measured by Loosemore and Hanhy's D, while the reduction in the effective number of parties—going from elective to parliamentary panics—is measured by Taagepera and Shugart's r. This interpretation of the Danish electoral system also entails its categorization among those electoral systems where the decisive allocation of seats takes place at the national level.