Dimensions of equal suffrage
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5944/rdp.113.2022.33559Keywords:
Equal suffrage; Theory of democracy; Legal interpretation; Electoral system; Rule of lawAbstract
The concept of the equal vote has not been widely studied in the academic literature on electoral systems. Here we offer a theory that clarifies and quantifies the term. We differentiate four distinct elements within the idea of «equal suffrage», assigning three of them with a quantitative and measurable variable. Since the equal vote has an enormous presence in many democratic constitutions, conceptualization and quantification should help to determine the exact meaning of the expression as well as to prevent violations of voting equality. «Equal suffrage» is a subjective right and can be quantified. This should help courts to protect it.
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