Constitutional needs for the Italian process of drawing electoral districts: a more independent Commission, less partisanship, and greater transparency and participation

This article delves into the constitutional imperatives guiding the process of drawing electoral districts in Italy, advocating for reforms to ensure a more independent commission, reduced partisanship, and greater transparency and participation. Beginning with an exploration of explicit constitutional principles and rules governing seat allocation, the paper traces the historical evolution of constituency drawing systems, from the initial era of single-member constituencies within a proportional system to contemporary legislation on single-member first past the post districts (even within a mixed electoral system). Highlighting the shortcomings of past and present approaches, this article argues for procedural reforms aimed at enhancing compliance with constitutional principles. The conclusion underscores the importance of transparency and participation in mitigating inherent biases in electoral geography, emphasizing the need for procedural fairness even when substantive solutions remain elusive. By prioritizing the technical and non-partisan nature of the boundary commission, expediting the production of electoral constituencies, and bolstering participation and transparency measures, the article proposes a framework aligned with both Italian and international best practices, as endorsed by the Venice Commission.