This study examines the evolution of the Dominican Republic’s electoral system and its impact on political representation, with particular focus on the reforms and elections of the 1980s. The author analyzes how electoral rules, institutional design, and party dynamics shape democratic participation and governance.
The article argues that electoral reform is not merely a technical matter but a deeply political issue that influences the balance of power, the legitimacy of institutions, and the quality of democracy. It highlights persistent challenges such as unequal representation, distortions in congressional seat allocation, the dominance of major parties, weaknesses in party institutionalization, and limitations in electoral administration.
Using the 1986 elections as a key reference point, the study shows how electoral formulas, district structures, and party alliances affected outcomes at the presidential, congressional, and municipal levels. The findings reveal structural imbalances between votes received and seats obtained, as well as tensions between democratic competition and institutional fairness.
Ultimately, the article calls for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, improving proportional representation, modernizing electoral administration, and reinforcing democratic accountability in the Dominican political system.
Dialnet-ReformaElectoralYRepresentacionPoliticaEnElSistema-7481007