Abstract

NOHLEN, Dieter. La reforma del sistema binominal desde una perspectiva comparada. Rev. cienc. polít. (Santiago) [online]. 2006, vol.26, n.1, pp. 191-202. ISSN 0718-090X.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-090X2006000100012.

Since its introduction by the military regime, Chile's binominal system has continuously been questioned. This is the reason for thinking about an electoral reform, although some of its effects empirically have benefited the democratic development of the country. The same result is obtained, if _at a theoretical level- the effects of the binominal system are considered comparatively, applying criteria of evaluation which stem from world wide processes of electoral reform. Nevertheless, some weaknesses of the binominal system concerning the function of representation can be observed. A reform, addressing these weaknesses, should at the same time try to maintain the effectiveness of the system with regard to other functions like concentration and participation. This includes defending the system against critics which focus on phenomena like clientelism, surely caused by other factors than the binominal system. Concerning the design itself, the paper suggests first to define the objectives of a reform, that means forming consensus, and than to work on the technical aspects of the concrete system. Furthermore it reminds academics and legislators of the comparative experience that the electoral system in force is usually the most probable option under the considered alternatives

Keywords : Importancia de los sistemas electorales; Efectos del sistema binominal; Criterios de evaluación de sistemas electorales; Oportunidad y probabilidad de reformas electorales; Procesos de reforma electoral; Diseños institucionales.