Legge elettorale, continua l’esame. Bocciato l’emendamento dei vannacciani sulle preferenze

Legislative Stagnation: Chamber Continues Review of ‘Stabilicum’ Reform

The Chamber of Deputies is continuing its examination of the proposed electoral reform bill known as the “Stabilicum.” The legislative proposal aims to introduce a proportional system with a majority bonus of 55% to 57% for coalitions or lists that secure more than 42% of the vote. The bill also mandates the designation of a candidate for Prime Minister.

Following the withdrawal of various modification proposals by the Democratic Party (Pd), the Five Star Movement (M5S), the Green and Left Alliance (Avs), Italia Viva (Iv), and +Europa, approximately 60 amendments remain under consideration. Several of these votes are being conducted via secret ballot, a process that has contributed to tensions within the governing majority.

Rejection of ‘Vannacci’ Amendment on Voter Preferences

A significant point of contention was the amendment proposed by deputies associated with Roberto Vannacci, which sought to reintroduce individual voter preferences. The amendment was defeated with 233 votes against and 139 in favor.

The vote saw a split within the center-right coalition. While the eight deputies associated with the “Futuro Nazionale” group supported the reintroduction of preferences, they were joined by Fratelli d’Italia and Noi Moderati. Conversely, Forza Italia and the Lega joined opposition parties in voting against the measure.

Following the result, deputies from Futuro Nazionale protested in the Chamber, displaying signs reading “Partiti padroni? No! Cittadini sovrani” (Party masters? No! Sovereign citizens). Prior to the vote, Vannacci had publicly challenged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to support the amendment, urging her to speak with the center-right group leaders to ensure its passage.

Legislative Adjustments and Gender Parity

The Chamber also rejected an amendment presented by Elena Bonetti (Azione) regarding gender parity in electoral lists. The proposal aimed to ensure that neither gender would be represented in more than 50% of the candidate slots for constituency lists at the national level. Currently, the law provides for a 60/40 ratio. The amendment was defeated by a secret ballot of 223 against and 142 in favor, with the government and the majority expressing a negative opinion.

Conversely, the Chamber approved an amendment proposed by Paolo Emilio Russo (Forza Italia) intended to curb the fragmentation of the political system. The amendment stipulates that votes for lists falling below the “best loser” threshold within a coalition will not contribute to the national electoral figure for the purposes of calculating the majority bonus. This measure aims to prevent the proliferation of small lists, which the proponent described as a factor of instability.

Government Response and Legal Challenges

Despite the parliamentary setbacks and the emergence of “franchi tiratori” (rogue voters) during secret ballots, government officials maintain that the reform process will proceed. Minister for Relations with Parliament Luca Ciriani stated that the government remains committed to its term and intends to conclude the legislative experience. Regarding the electoral reform, Ciriani noted that the priority is to conclude the passage in the Chamber, acknowledging that the bill will move to the Senate, where further modifications may occur.

Simultaneously, the reform faces external opposition. Roberto Zaccaria, coordinator of the “Rete contro la riforma della legge elettorale” (Network against the electoral reform), announced that legal challenges are being prepared in dozens of courts. The stated goal is to refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, with the Network arguing that the proposed changes distort the Italian Constitution and democratic balance. Zaccaria indicated that the organization is preparing for nationwide mobilization against the bill.

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