Guidelines to Assist National Minority Participation in the Electoral Process Page: 30 Addendum I CHECKLISTS CHECKLIST OF KEY PROVISIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF ELECTORAL SYSTEMS Item 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. What is the structure of the society? Is it divided along, ethnic, religious, linguistic or other lines? Do the existing political institutions facilitate the management of conflict and resolution of grievances related to minority issues? Are ethnic groups concentrated in one or several distinct regions? Are ethnic groups spread across the country as a whole? Is there a specific conflict between groups that can be addressed via the design of the electoral system? What is the source of this conflict – i.e. over resources, territory, group rights etc? Will the preferred electoral system design adequately represent all groups in parliament? Are any groups likely to be disadvantaged by the proposed design? Can their representation be secured in other ways? How will the electoral system impact upon the development of the political party system? Is it possible to encourage the development of multi-ethnic parties? Where there is minority representation in the legislature, are there mechanisms for their effective representation? Are there specific provisions, which encourage minority appointments to public service positions? Are there numerical or percentage thresholds, which enhance or reduce possibilities of minority inclusion in governance? Does the existing electoral system provide for a clear link between some or all elected members and the minority electorate or community? Does the electoral system encourage inter-ethnic alliances? Are parties encouraged to present inclusive and socially diverse candidates or candidate lists? Does the system tend to promote moderation and accommodation and soften ethnic revelries? Are small parties allowed to group together for electoral purposes but at the same time remain as separate entities? Are there reserved or quota seats for minority groups? Are there mandatory ethnically mixed candidate lists? Is the mechanism of over-representation of minority groups used to facilitate their participation? Yes No