Evaluation and Optimization of Electoral Systems

This monograph offers a systematic quantitative approach to the analysis, evaluation and design of electoral systems. Today, electoral reform is of concern to newborn democracies as well as many old ones. The authors use mathematical models and automatic procedures, when possible, to solve some of the problems that arise in the comparison of existing systems, as well as in the construction of new ones. One distinctive feature of the book is the emphasis on single- and multiple-criteria optimization methods. This powerful tool kit should help political researchers evaluate and choose an appropriate electoral system. Targetted toward mathematically trained scientists (applied mathematicians, operations researchers and statisticians) and written in clear and simple language, this monograph is largely accessible to political and social scientists as well. A basic knowledge of elementary set theory and integer programming and graph theory is advisable, although not essential, to fully appreciate some technical features.