Isabela Mares Livres

Between 1850 and 1918, first-wave democracies in Europe implemented electoral reforms to reduce misconduct. This analysis of parliamentary deliberations and roll-call votes in France, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom delves into how these reforms emerged. Various measures were introduced, including harsher penalties for bribery and the misuse of state resources during campaigns. Improvements in electoral secrecy enhanced voter autonomy, while requiring candidate representatives to oversee electoral processes diminished fraud. Isabela Mares highlights how divisions among elites enabled the formation of parliamentary majorities that supported these reforms, with the political makeup of these majorities varying by country and issue area. This variation depended on the distribution of political resources and the economic and electoral costs faced by politicians engaging in misconduct. By examining the electoral factors driving the demand for reforms, Mares presents an alternative perspective to theories of democratization that focus solely on economic factors. The study of successful reforms against electoral irregularities during early democratic transitions provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for combating electoral wrongdoing in contemporary democracies.

The book explores the significant electoral reforms that transformed democratic practices across various European countries in the nineteenth century. It examines the historical context and the impact of these changes on political participation and governance, highlighting the shift towards more inclusive electoral processes. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on the challenges and successes faced during this pivotal period in European history.

How were reforms that aimed to reduce electoral intimidation adopted? This book provides a micro-historical analysis of the adoption of reforms protecting voter autonomy. It shows that changes in district-level economic and political conditions led to the formation of an encompassing political coalition supporting these electoral reforms.