COMPARATIVE THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM CONCEPT

The article provides critical analysis of the existing definitions of an electoral system. The broad and narrow meanings of the concept have been analyzed. In its broader meaning an electoral system comprises regulated social relations dealing with elections to public authority bodies. The election process is regulated mainly by Constitutional law and some corporate norms of civil associations, taking part in the elections (by-laws and other party documents), customs, traditions, norms of political ethics. In its narrow meaning an electoral system is the means of distributing mandates among the candidates, depending on the voting results. The author defines three approaches to an electoral system and their characteristics: sociological, normative and systematic. According to the sociological approach the electoral system is a composition of social relations dealing with the organization of voting and counting the votes with possible judicial control. In this sense each country has its own electoral system, conditioned by the current political situation, economic, historical, religious relations, etc. Within the frame of normative approach, an electoral system is a system of norms, regulating the behavior of the election relations subjects. Systematic approach emphasizes the system of institutions and structures of Election law. The author points out that electoral system to a great extent is the result of political parties' interests. Electoral systems should be adapted to the conditions and needs of certain countries. It may be the result of traditions (the United Kingdom), historical experience (Germany) or cultural and ethnic diversity.