Vol. 11, Special Issue 11, Part A (2025)

Abstract
Electoral systems are a fundamental component of democratic governance, shaping the structure and functioning of party politics across countries. This article examines how different electoral systems majoritarian, proportional representation, and mixed systems influence party systems, electoral competition, and government formation in democracies. Majoritarian systems tend to encourage fewer political parties and stable single-party governments, often at the cost of broader representation. In contrast, proportional representation systems promote multiparty competition and inclusive representation but frequently result in coalition governments. Mixed electoral systems attempt to balance these outcomes by combining elements of both approaches. By comparing democratic experiences across regions, the study highlights the significant role electoral rules play in shaping party behavior, voter choices, and the overall quality of democratic representation.