1. Workshop 1A
Summary

2. The impact of system of representation on the political outcome
Proportional system gives better representation
FPTP gives better accountability and more stable governments

3. The impact of system of representation in other dimensions
Gender
Geography
Ethnic, confessional or linguistic minorities
Other groups, such as age.

4. The electoral system’s ability to represent women and minorities
FPTP: Parties may propose male candidates of majority group, in particular in marginal constituencies
List proportional: Incentives for inclusive candidate lists. More votes can give more seats.

5. Affirmative actions and quotas
Quota requirements will limit voter choice
Still legitimate
FPTP: Special constituencies or requirements to parties to propose candidates
List PR: Requirements for female or minority candidates with prominent placement
Avoid affect on political representation and unreasonable limitation to voter choice and the right to stand for elections.

6. The requirements to stand for elections
The balance between the right to stand for election and the need to limit the number of candidates to those with a certain public support
Financial deposits and signature requirements need to be reasonable

7. Improving participation
Most important:
Provide trust in the process and make the political system important and relevant.
People need to believe that their vote will matter.
The electoral system:
Can improve access to the voting process by advance voting, appropriate voting days etc
The process needs to enjoy trust, which may be improved by transparency, a good legal system, observation, independent EMB, etc

8. The role of parties and media
Parties to work out clear programmes representing clear alternatives of government
Media access to be fair, and media to be critical and interesting
Use of new technologies

9. Election observation The importance of domestic observers
The need to adhere to standards for elections and observation
The need for legal provisions for observation in old democracies

10. Changes to the electoral system
Should happen well before the election
Some continuity should be observed