ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS

European Elections Direct elections to the EP have been held every 5 years since 1979, using proportional representation (PR). Among the consequences of PR is the return of numerous political parties to power, resulting in most EU states in a tradition of coalition governments. Since the introduction of direct elections to the EP in 1979, turnout has fallen from a high of 63% to a low of 43% in 2009. Among the explanations for this trend is the difference between first-order and second-order elections. The former have higher stakes (such as a change of government) than the latter. EP elections are considered second-order.

European Elections Low turnout at EP elections also has other explanations: Few Europeans know much about the work of the EP. The EP has few well-known figures who might be catalysts for higher turnout. Few national political parties run Europe-wide elections. Most voters see EP elections in national terms.

Referendums Voters in some EU states have been offered national referendums, as a result of which Europe has become the single most voted-on issue in the world. The subject of most referendums has been either membership of the EEC/EU or the euro, or approval of a new treaty. Denmark and Ireland have had the most referendums on European issues, and only seven EU member states have had none. A distinction must be made between referendums that are mandatory or facultative (initiated by public or political demand), and between those that are binding and non-binding. The outcome of EP elections and national referendums is often influenced by the standing of governing and opposition parties in member states.