Electoral systems and the protection and participation of minorities

working to secure the rights ofminorities and indigenous peoplesElectoral systems and the protection and participation of minoritiesThe protection of minorities and their inclusion in thepolitical process is essential to both avoiding and resolvingconflicts. But minorities are often excluded from electoralreform, constitution drafting and the creation of newgovernments.By considering the electoral systems behind differentconflict situations worldwide, this report shows how theparticipation of minorities in the legislative process at thestage of electoral reform is a key tool for peace-buildingand future conflict prevention. Protection of minority rightsis best achieved and articulated through a combination ofmajority sensitivity and minority inclusion.The report focuses on electoral systems, the way votes aretranslated into seats, and its impact on the representationof minority communities. It outlines the menu of electoralsystem options and their consequences; the process ofelectoral system design and reform; and discusses how thesystem chosen affects not just the numbers of minoritymembers elected but also how the system can mould elitebehaviours and levels of inclusion and accommodation.Minority Rights Group International 54 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT, United Kingdom ISBN 1 904584 55 1Tel +44 (0)20 7422 4200 Fax +44 (0)20 7422 4201Email minority.rights@mrgmail.org Website www.minorityrights.org