Comments on changes in the size of electoral districts in municipal council elections in the years 1990–2011

Abstract

The electoral system in the strict sense and the structure of electoral districts are among the most important elements influencing the final results of the election. Depending on the decisions adopted, they may lead to a deformation of the will of the voters. The aim of the article is to present a picture and assess the regulations relating to the size of electoral districts in elections to municipal councils, applicable under subsequent ordinances  preceding the adoption of the Electoral Code, as well as proposals for addressing the discussed issues, submitted during the legislative work. The analysis of the changes that took place in the structure of electoral districts in elections to municipal councils in the years 1990-2011 proves attempts at a multi-aspect approach to the issue, motivated, however, by the particular political interests of the bill's authors, without any visible efforts to create a universal concept of electing councillors in municipalities. Regardless of the political affiliation of the submitted bills, however, there is a noticeable tendency to maintain the uniformity of the auxiliary unit of the municipality as an electoral district in rural areas.