One of the basic constitutional rights of a citizen is the right to elect and be elected. In different countries, elections are held in different ways, since there are rules for their conduct and their own electoral system, which reflects the existing alignment of political forces in the state.
Suffrage and Electoral System
In Russia, elections are held on the principles of equal, direct and universal suffrage. Voting is carried out in secret.
All capable citizens can participate in them, regardless of property status, religion, nationality, etc. Such an opportunity is not provided to persons serving a sentence (imprisonment), and to citizens recognized by the court as incompetent.
Suffrage is passive and active. The first means the citizen's ability to be elected. At the same time, certain requirements and conditions are imposed on him: state of health, lack of criminal record, length of residence in the country, age, etc. Active suffrage means the opportunity for citizens to participate in elections, cast their ballots for any candidate or party.
Types of electoral systems :
- Majority. Depending on how the majority is determined, it can be relative, absolute and qualified. In the first case, the candidate (party) is elected, for whom a larger number of citizens voted (simple majority). In the second - at least 50% and 1 more vote should be gained. In the third - the candidate who receives a qualified majority of votes wins. For example, 2/3 of the participating voters.
- Proportional. The distribution of deputy mandates in this case depends on the number of votes received by one or another party. Citizens exercise their suffrage by voting on collective lists. The results are determined based on the established quota - the minimum votes required for the 1st candidate.
- Mixed electoral system. Combines proportional and majority. It is valid, in particular, in the Russian Federation.
The subjects of suffrage
By them are meant potential participants in such legal relations. They must meet certain requirements. In particular, to have a selective legal personality, that is, legal, deed and tort. The first means the ability to have voting rights and obligations provided for in laws, the second means to acquire, change, exercise and terminate them independently, and the third means to be responsible for the unlawful
exercise of rights and non-fulfillment of assigned obligations.
The right to vote is granted to both individual and collective entities. The first include: citizens, candidates, their proxies, voters, observers, including international ones, members of relevant commissions. The second includes political public associations, legislative factions, electoral associations and blocs, commissions, and government agencies.