Italy's ruling parties strike deal on electoral law overhaul

ROME, Feb 26 - Italy's ruling parties have agreed on a sweeping overhaul of the electoral law, two sources said on Thursday, a move opposition parties say is designed to keep Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in power after elections due in 2027. Read more at straitstimes.com.

ROME, Feb 26 - Italy's ruling parties have agreed on a sweeping overhaul of the electoral law, two sources said on Thursday, a move opposition parties say is designed to keep Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in power after elections due in 2027.

Under the current system, most lawmakers in both the upper and lower houses are chosen by pure proportional representation via party lists, but 36% of them are elected in first-past-the-post constituencies.

The proposal by the right-wing coalition — which includes Meloni's Brothers of Italy, the League and Forza Italia — would move to a fully proportional system and offer a guaranteed majority for any coalition winning more than 40% of the vote.

"The centre-right is working on an electoral law that will bring stability to the country, clearly reflect the citizens' vote and ensure that Italy has a strong and credible government," said Forza Italia deputy head Stefano Benigni.

CHALLENGE FROM LEFT-WING BLOC

At the last election in 2022, the main opposition Democratic Party (PD) and Five Star Movement failed to form an electoral alliance, making it easier for Meloni's right-wing bloc to sweep to power by winning most of the first-past-the-post seats.