Kierunki reformy systemu wyborczego na tle praktyki wyborczej w Polsce. Wybrane aspekty

Abstract

Electoral system is one of main democratic institutions. Like other fields of law, it is a very dynamic phenomenon that depends on constantly changing social and political circumstances. Of course, it has to be updated quite recently. On the other hand, one shall take into account, that such factors as instability, variety and incompatibility of some electoral provisions may cause delegitimization of the political system in general. Electoral systems may be then modified, but each reform shall be first thought over and the changes cannot be implemented too frequently. In the article, the author suggests that such reforms shall be categorized into four kinds of change: (1) system reforms – aimed at comprehensive standardization and unification of electoral law; (2) basic standardization changes – that occur as amending former regulations due to discrepancies between regulations and existence of some dysfunctional anachronisms; (3) simplifications of voting – these reforms should encourage people who do not vote to change their habits; (4) rationalizing reforms – aimed at verification of authentic functionality of certain electoral institutions and mechanisms. It seems that an electoral code has the best potential to follow these aims. It would fulfill most of requirements concerning reforms of the electoral law, which are being proposed by theoreticians and practitioners of electoral regulations since such a long time.