Electoral system and elections in Belgium

Abstract This chapter presents the main components of the Belgian electoral systems. In particular, it looks at the list proportional representation, the division of the country in electoral districts of different magnitudes, the rules organizing the election of candidates within lists (ballot structure), compulsory voting, voting rights, and electronic voting. It also discusses the impact of those electoral rules on voters and political parties, making use of recent research on the case of Belgium as well as on countries that use similar electoral rules to conduct elections. Finally, it discusses a few dimensions of the Belgian electoral system that are at the centre of political discussions and that may lead to reforms in the coming years.