Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: The Head of State is the Pope who is elected for life by the College of Cardinals.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (1): http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Secretary General is appointed by the Pope.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) The Cardinal President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State
Source: Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012);
Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (1): http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments: The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year period.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year period.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Only Cardinals are eligible for the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year period.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Supreme Pontiff for a five-year period.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: The members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State are appointed by the Pope every 5 years.
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vatican.va/vatican_city_state/legislation/documents/scv_doc_20001126_legge-fondamentale-scv_it.html (2012);
Official Website of the Vatican City State: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/StateDepartments/Legislative_and_executive_bodies.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: e) Religious legal system: the Supreme Pontiff (Pope) is elected according to Canon Law
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (2): http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: a) Religious legal system: the Supreme Pontiff (Pope) is elected according to Canon Law
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (2): http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments: f) Religious legal system: the Supreme Pontiff (Pope) is elected according to Canon Law
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (2): http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: f) Religious legal system: the Supreme Pontiff (Pope) is elected according to Canon Law
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 1 (2): http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
d . Specially Appointed Committee
Comments: d) The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State
Source: Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001, Art. 3: http://www.vaticanstate.va/NR/rdonlyres/3F574885-EAD5-47E9-A547-C3717005E861/2522/FundamentalLaw1.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
l . No voter education and information campaigns conducted
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
n . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
g . Other (specify)
Comments: The suffrage is limited to cardinals who are less than 80 years old.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
Verified: 2012/05/14
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: e) Be a cardinal
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
Verified: 2012/05/14
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: h) There are no political parties
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: f) There are no political parties.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: g) There are no political parties
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: d) There are no political parties
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
Verified: 2012/05/14
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments: The Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments: The Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections.
Source: CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Direct Democracy
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
Forgot your password?
