Transitional Electoral Systems in Post-Communist Eastern Europe

Abstract

Transitional elections are crucial moments for newly democratizing countries. Although they mark only a beginning point in an often arduous journey, their outcomes crucially affect the future course of democratic transition and consolidation. ' Indeed, whoever wins the transitional election often has the opportunity to rewrite the rules of the game to his or her advantage and significantly influence future political developments. As many scholars have noted, the electoral system affects the outcome of any election, advantaging some, while disadvantaging others.2 The kind of system employed can also serve to promote or detract from the viability and legitimacy of a new regime. It can prevent the excessive fragmentation of the party system and hence contribute to the emergence of stable government; it can also provide representation for significant groups in society and help contribute to the legitimacy of the regime.3 It follows that the rules governing transitional elections