Italy
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:21:23 UTC
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: a) Parliament
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:19:00 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
e. Geographic size of district
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Source: L.4/8/1993,n.277
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:29:43 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:20:23 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)
Comments: a.) Both Chamber of Deputies and the Senate
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:21:23 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Benedetto Onorato
b. Job Title: Viceprefetto
c. Organisation: Ministry of Interior
d. Contact Address. Ministry of Interior, Dipartimento Affari Internie Territoriali, Direzione Centrale dei Servizi Elettorali, Piazza del Viminale 1 00184 ROMA, Italy
e. Telephone: 0039 06 46547280
f. Facsimile: 0039 06 4883756
g. Email: benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-11-15 15:11:46 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
d. Agenda initiative
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 71, 75, 87, 123, and 138
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:40:10 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:45:32 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. (3) Citizens entitled to vote for the house of representatives may also participate in a referendum. (4) The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes." C:138 "(1) Law amending the constitution and other constitutional acts are adopted by each of the two chambers twice within no less than three months and need the approval of a majority of the members of each chamber in the second voting. (2) Such laws are afterwards submitted to popular referendum when, within three months of their publication, a request is made by one fifth of the members of either chamber, by 500,000 electors, or by five regional councils. The law submitted to referendum is not promulgated if it does not receive the majority of valid votes. (3) No referendum may be held if the law has been approved by each chamber in the second vote with a majority of two thirds of its members."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75 and 138
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-15 16:20:00 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:71 "(2) The people may introduce public initiatives consisting of a bill drafted in articles and supported by at least 50,000 voters."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 71
Last updated: 2006-11-15 16:14:03 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:43:09 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:45:32 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:75 "(5) The law establishes procedures for referenda."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:04:39 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1948
b. Optional referendum 1948
c. Citizens' initiative 1948
d. Agenda initiative 1948
Comments: All direct democracy instruments introduced by the 1948 Constitution of Italy
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy
Last updated: 2006-11-15 16:22:05 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
Comments: a) Ministry of Interior, Central Direction of Electoral Service
Last updated: 2006-11-16 08:47:35 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Comments: a) Ministry of Interior, Central Direction of Electoral Service
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:40:10 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: C:132 "(1) By means of a constitutional act and after consulting the regional councils, existing regions may be merged or new regions created, provided the population of any new region is at least one million, when it is so requested by as many municipal councils as represent at least one third of the population involved, and when the proposal has been approved by the majority of the involved population in a referendum. (2) With the assent of a majority of the people of the province or provinces concerned, and of the municipality or municipalities concerned, expressed by means of a referendum, after consulting the regional council, a state law may allow provinces and municipalities which request it to be detached from one region and assigned to another."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 132
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:40:10 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:53:38 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:53:54 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:54:10 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:54:42 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:55:35 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:55:51 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 12:58:24 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 13:02:09 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-04-20 13:02:30 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:45:32 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
f. Devolution
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
Comments: i) All except those excluded in C:75 j) Social policy
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: Note: Issues excluded only when referendums are raised according to article 75; by voters or regional councils. j) Amnesties and pardons. C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
c. Other public policy issues
Last updated: 2005-04-20 13:10:27 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
d. Legislative majority
e. Registered electors
f. Other (specify)
Comments: f) Regional councils, citizens, and members of parliament. C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force." C:138 "(1) Law amending the constitution and other constitutional acts are adopted by each of the two chambers twice within no less than three months and need the approval of a majority of the members of each chamber in the second voting. (2) Such laws are afterwards submitted to popular referendum when, within three months of their publication, a request is made by one fifth of the members of either chamber, by 500,000 electors, or by five regional councils."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75 and 138
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:52:34 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
e. Registered electors
f. Other (specify who)
Comments: f) Five regional councils C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. (3) Citizens entitled to vote for the house of representatives may also participate in a referendum. (4) The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes. (5) The law establishes procedures for referenda."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:52:34 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum X
Comments: C:132 "(1) By means of a constitutional act and after consulting the regional councils, existing regions may be merged or new regions created, provided the population of any new region is at least one million, when it is so requested by as many municipal councils as represent at least one third of the population involved, and when the proposal has been approved by the majority of the involved population in a referendum."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 132
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:52:34 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum X
Comments: C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. (3) Citizens entitled to vote for the house of representatives may also participate in a referendum. (4) The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes." C:138 "(1) Law amending the constitution and other constitutional acts are adopted by each of the two chambers twice within no less than three months and need the approval of a majority of the members of each chamber in the second voting. (2) Such laws are afterwards submitted to popular referendum when, within three months of their publication, a request is made by one fifth of the members of either chamber, by 500,000 electors, or by five regional councils. The law submitted to referendum is not promulgated if it does not receive the majority of valid votes."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75 and 138
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 132
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:52:34 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
c. Double majority (simple majority overall plus simple majority in certain number of first tier authorities) (specify below)
Comments: C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. (3) Citizens entitled to vote for the house of representatives may also participate in a referendum. (4) The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes." C:138 "(1) Law amending the constitution and other constitutional acts are adopted by each of the two chambers twice within no less than three months and need the approval of a majority of the members of each chamber in the second voting. (2) Such laws are afterwards submitted to popular referendum when, within three months of their publication, a request is made by one fifth of the members of either chamber, by 500,000 electors, or by five regional councils. The law submitted to referendum is not promulgated if it does not receive the majority of valid votes."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75 and 138
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None
Last updated: 2006-11-16 08:49:40 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) When it has been promulgated; it passes only when it is approved with quorum.
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 132 and law 25 of May 1970 n.352
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) When it has been promulgated; it passes only when it is approved with quorum.
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75 and 138; and law 25 of May 1970 n.352
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:52:34 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
b. Legislative proposals
c. Other (specify)
Comments: c) Total or partial repeal of a law C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
b. Legislative proposals
Comments: C:71 "(2) The people may introduce public initiatives consisting of a bill drafted in articles and supported by at least 50,000 voters."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 71
Last updated: 2006-11-16 09:55:00 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) Budget laws, amnesties, pardons C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties.
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:29:03 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:27:19 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:03:18 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:28:13 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:13:54 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:28:13 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 500 000
Comments: C:75 "(1) When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other acts with legal force. (2) No such referenda are allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. (3) Citizens entitled to vote for the house of representatives may also participate in a referendum. (4) The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes. (5) The law establishes procedures for referenda."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 75
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:16:26 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 50 000
Comments: C:71 "(1) The right to initiatives belongs to the government, to each member of the chambers, and to those organs and bodies assigned by constitutional law. (2) The people may introduce public initiatives consisting of a bill drafted in articles and supported by at least 50,000 voters."
Source: The 1948 Constitution of Italy: article 71
Last updated: 2006-11-16 10:13:54 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Ministero Interno, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettorale
b. Full Address Piazza Del Viminale 1, 00184 Roma
c. Telephone 0646527223
d. Facsimile 064883756
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Prefetto
h. Information Officer 0646525917
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Italian
Source: Decreto Legislativo 30/7/1999, n. 300, D.P.R.7/9/2001, n.398
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:16:39 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Source: L.15/3/1997, n.59, Art.4
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:14:39 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
d. A national government department
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:16:39 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
d. A national government department
Source: L.5/8/1978, n.468
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:16:12 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Source: L.7/8/1997, n.279, Art.3,14
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:18:08 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:17:06 UTC
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:17:06 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 280600000
b. Exchange rate used 0.875 Euro/USD
Comments: 280 600 000 USD is the appropriate fund to provide for extraordinary spendings for organizing the last general elections, including costs for personnel, security, election materials, transport, locals.
Source: Onorato Benedetto (May 2002)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:30:22 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 4
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:16:39 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 5.68
b. Exchange rate used 0,875 EURO/USD
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 08 May 2002 14:19:22 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: Indirectly elected by legislature, Chamber 1 and Chamber 2 combined.
Source: Constitution, Art.83
Last updated: Wed, 15 May 2002 15:10:37 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: Prime minister appointed by President and confirmed by Parliament.
Source: Constitution, Art. 92
Last updated: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 10:13:28 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, art. 59.
Last updated: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 08:54:50 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Constitution, art. 55.
Last updated: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 08:50:50 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
h. Mixed Member Proportional
Comments: Single member majority system with a remaining proportional quota.
Source: L.277/93
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 09:04:15 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
h. Mixed Member Proportional
Comments: In each region, single member majority system with a remaining proportional quota.
Source: Constitution, Art. 1
Last updated: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 10:42:01 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
g. Other
Comments: For the Chamber of Deputies:the attribution of the seats of proportional quota, the largest remainder method is applied. For the Senate: d«Hondt Formula
Source: L. 4/8/1993 nn.276,277
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 08:32:37 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
a. National level
b. Specially delimited constituencies
d. Other
Comments: 475 representatives are elected in delimited constituencies, 143 seats distributed on a national basis according to the proportional quota. d)12 seats distributed from abroad by the proportional quota.
Source: Art. 1, L.4/8/1993, n.277
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:52:40 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: 232 seats are attributed in single member constituencies on a regional basis. 77 seats must be distributed by proportional representation on a regional basis. 6 seats are distributed from abroad by the proportional quota.
Source: Art. 1, L. 4/8/1993, n. 276
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:53:29 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: 12 seats are reserved to constituencies abroad.
Source: Constitution, 23/1/2001, n.1, art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 09:50:20 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) 7
Comments: d.)Reserved to voters from abroad and seats distributed by proportional quota.
Source: Constitution, 23/1/2001, n.1, Art.1
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:15:44 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: 6 seats are reserved to constituencies abroad.
Source: Constitution, 23/1/2001, n.1, Art. 1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 09:55:14 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
d. Other - proportion of total seats (%) 7
Comments: Reserved to voters from abroad and seats distributed by proportional quota.
Source: Constitution, 23/1/2001, n.1, Art.1
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:15:03 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: 4%
Source: L.4/8/1993, n.277, Art.5
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:54:56 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Sat, 25 May 2002 17:14:46 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:56:34 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:57:29 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: a.) 5 years
Source: Constitution, Art. 60
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:25:10 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: a.) 5 years
Source: Constitution, Art. 60
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:26:02 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Source: Decree 30/3/1957, n.361 Law 21/12/2005, n. 270
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:13:31 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Source: Law 21/12/2005, n. 270, n.276/277
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:07:49 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Source: Law 21/12/2005, n. 270, L.17/2/1968,n.108, L.23/2/1995,n.43, L. 18/18/2000, n. 267, L.25/5/1970,n.352
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:13:31 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: Voting is a civic duty.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:13:31 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
b. National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments: However, holding national elections on the same day as regional and local elections is not compulsory.
Source: Decree 3/5/1976, n.161, converted in law 14/5/1976, n.240
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:13:31 UTC
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Indirectly elected by the two Chambers.
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 09:59:19 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n. 361, Art.16
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:37:46 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
c. Judiciary
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.12
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:38:56 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
Source: D.P.R.30/3/1957, n. 361, Art.16
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:48:33 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Benedetto Onorato
b. Job Title: Viceprefetto
c. Organisation: Central Direction of Electoral Service, Ministry of Interior
d. Contact Address: Ministry of Interior, Dipartimento Affari Internie Territoriali, Direzione Centrale dei Servizi Elettorali, Piazza del Viminale 1 00184 ROMA, Italy
e. Telephone: 0039 06 46547280
f. Facsimile: 0039 06 4883756
g. Email: benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-11-22 10:47:03 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) X
Comments: The amount is different from party to party. You have to multiply 1 Euro for the number of voters in that constituency in which that party runs.
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Law 22 February 2000, n.28
Last updated: 2006-11-22 10:54:25 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:36:40 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a.)1500 minimum and 4500 maximum
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957 n. 361
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:35:07 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a.) 1000 minimum and 5000 maximum
Source: T.U. 20/12/1993, n.533, Art.9
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:08:51 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957,n.361, Art.20
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:16:14 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Source: D.L. vo 20/12/1993, n.533, Art.9
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:17:30 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held. The President is indirectly elected by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate combined.
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:11:10 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
c. Criminal record
Comments: A person is temorarily disqualified for a sentence over 3 to 5 years, and forever for a sentence over 5 years.
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:14:36 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held. The President is indirectly elected by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate combined.
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:16:41 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
d. In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Source: D.l.vo 20/12/1993, n.533, Art. f
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:25:02 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:35:07 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: a.) Minimum 1000 and maximum 1500
Source: D.l.vo 20/12/1993, n. 533, Art.9
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:27:07 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:31:50 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: L.3/6/1999, n. 157, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:36:52 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: L.3/6/1999, n. 157, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:33:42 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
d. Other
Comments: d.)Refunding
Source: L.3/6/1999, n.157, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:41:09 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
c. Based on current legislative representation
Source: L.10/12/1993, n.515, Art.9
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:42:16 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
b. Election campaign activities
Source: L.3/6/199, n.157, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:43:13 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: L.10/12/1993, n.515, Art.7
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:43:57 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
a. As related to the election period only
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Direzione Centrale Servizi Elettoral, Ministerio del Interior, benedetto.onorato@interno.it
Last updated: 2006-12-04 15:35:07 UTC
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
d. Ceilings on how much money a party can raise
e. Ceilings on party election expenses
h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Source: L.10/12/1993, n.515
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:45:32 GMT
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received
d. Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise
e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses
h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Source: L.515, 10/12/1993
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:46:49 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
h. Party symbols in color
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n. 361, Art.24, L.4/8/1993, n.277, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:17:10 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
h. Party symbols in color
Source: D.P.R. 20/12/1993, n. 533, Art.14 and 27
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:18:15 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:19:09 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: D.P.R.30/3/1957, n.361
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:20:06 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
l. Counted by hand
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.67,68
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:08:08 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
c. District level
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361,art.75
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:23:35 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
b. District level
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c) Constituency level
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.1, L.4/8/93, n.277, Art.1
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:24:42 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.75
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:26:24 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
e. Accompanied by election officials
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.75
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:27:50 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957, n.361, Art.76
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:32:54 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
c. Legislative formula or regulation
Source: D.P.R.30/3/57, n.361, Art.76
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:34:28 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:25:38 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
h. Courts
Source: D.P.R.30/3/57, n.361, Art.76
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:37:19 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: D.P.R.30/3/57, n.361, Art.76
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:37:53 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 7
Comments: 6-7 hours
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:26:39 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
b. No
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:27:16 GMT
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: b.)1 day
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Sat, 25 May 2002 17:23:37 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
i. Media
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Sat, 25 May 2002 17:18:45 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:08:08 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:09:34 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:10:25 GMT
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Source: Onorato Benedetto
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:11:04 GMT
VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
h. Not applicable
Comments: There were no special voter education programs developed at the most recent election.
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:07:27 GMT
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:19:18 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
d. At specially designated polling stations
Source: D.P.R 2073/1967, n.223
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:49:53 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
Source: L.27/12/2001, n.459
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:50:52 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
e. By mail
Source: L.27/12/2001, n.459, Art.1
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:52:16 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Source: L.27/12/2001, n.459, Art.12
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:53:06 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
b. By mail
Source: L.27/12/2001, n.459, Art.12
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:53:06 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
c. People in remote areas
Source: L.27/12/2001, n.459
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:54:03 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:21:31 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 1200
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:22:01 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: D.P.R. 30/3/1957,n.361,Art.57
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:57:18 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
b. The largest polling station: 6
Source: D.P.R.30/3/1957, n.361, Art.34
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:58:34 GMT
VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?
Comments: Not calculable
Source: Onorato Benedetto, Viceprefetto, Dirección Central del Servicio Electoral Ministerio del Interior, onorato.b(a)katamail.com
Last updated: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:22:54 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: L.8/3/1975, n.39, Art.14
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:43:46 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution, Art.48
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:44:33 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
b. Previous Conviction
h. Other
Comments: Definitive conviction, moral worthlessness, civil incapacity
Source: Constitution, Art.48
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:59:24 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Source: L.24/11/2000
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:00:41 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: D.P.R. 20/3/1967,n.223
Last updated: Fri, 17 May 2002 09:06:44 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
c. Periodically (or before each election)
Source: D.P.R.20/3/1967,n.223
Last updated: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:02:54 GMT
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
