"Common procedures, common problems: Moving toward uniform electoral procedures for EP elections"

Toloudis, Nicholas. (2001) "Common procedures, common problems: Moving toward uniform electoral procedures for EP elections" . In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 2001 (7th), May 31-June 2, 2001, pages 40, Madison, Wisconsin.

Abstract

[N]ational level political interests and ideas have impeded the reform process. I will test this argument by examining the manner in which political and ideological factors have played out at critical periods in the history of the directly elected EP and two member states to prevent the installation of uniform procedures. Results indicate that the issues under consideration during the debates on direct elections legislation have had lasting effects on subsequent efforts to impose uniform electoral procedures. Failure at the supranational level to find consensus on a reform proposal came even in the face of a concerted effort to account for domestic interests. The installation and amendment of EP electoral procedures provide an excellent perspective on how member states' perception of the EU has changed and are a unique and important case of electoral reform.