closed party list count: an opportunity for reform?

[Clay S]

to my knowledge, there are only three countries where you can do city level ballot measures to change how voting is done. The United States, Switzerland, and Poland. several other countries have like national initiatives, but those would be incredibly hard, especially if you're introducing a policy as novel seeming as EBJ.

but it occurred to me that countries that use closed list proportional representation effectively allow the parties to pick their party list and order however they like. and in fact, some of those parties do innovate in, and apparently use at least some deliberation.

Apologies for the confusion. To clarify your question: You are asking about political parties within closed-list proportional representation systems that choose to use a more democratic or participatory process for selecting candidates on their lists, potentially involving member participation beyond just party leaders making decisions.

Here are some parties in closed-list proportional representation systems that have taken steps toward a more democratic or deliberative process for selecting their party lists:

1. Pirate Party (Germany)

• As already mentioned, the Pirate Party in Germany uses Liquid Democracy for a more participatory process. Party members can either vote directly on issues or delegate their votes to others, and they engage in discussions to inform their decisions.

2. Socialist Party (Portugal)

• The Socialist Party in Portugal has historically used a more democratic and consultative approach for candidate selection, particularly at the local and regional levels. Members and delegates often engage in debates and voting, which can include discussions on policy and candidate suitability.

3. Democratic Left (Poland)

• In Poland, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) allows its members to participate in candidate selection through a series of primaries or consultation processes. The party has experimented with more open processes, including discussions within local branches, where members have input into which candidates make it onto the list.

4. Green Party (Ireland)

• The Green Party in Ireland has a democratic process where members participate in selecting candidates through internal party elections. They also place importance on deliberation and discussions on policies and the qualities needed in candidates, particularly for local and national elections.

5. Left Bloc (Portugal)

• The Left Bloc, also in Portugal, has a more participatory method for selecting candidates compared to many other parties. They hold primaries and discussions where members can actively engage in candidate selection, and there is often input from local groups to determine who will appear on the party list.

6. Syriza (Greece)

• Syriza, a left-wing party in Greece, uses a more democratic process for its candidate selection compared to many other parties in Greece. Members and local branches have a voice in the process, and the party places an emphasis on internal democracy in the selection of candidates for the national list.

7. Democratic Party of the Left (Italy)

• In Italy, the Democratic Party (PD) has incorporated internal consultations and primaries in certain situations to select candidates for party lists. While it's not a completely open process, the party allows significant member input, particularly in competitive constituencies.

These examples are cases where the parties, while still working within closed-list proportional representation systems, use mechanisms that include deliberation, primaries, or some form of direct member involvement to inform their selection processes, which is closer to the type of system you're interested in.