Volatile party systems and electoral reforms: a comparative analysis of Lithuanian and Turkish reforms

Electoral reform literature consistently finds that electoral volatility increases the likelihood of electoral system changes. However, the mechanisms through which political parties develop their preferences for different types of electoral rules in fluid party systems remain unclear. To address this gap, we examine electoral reform episodes in Turkey and Lithuania and explain under what conditions parties in power modify electoral rules either to enhance or restrict the proportionality. The case analyses uncover a nuanced relationship between party system dynamics and electoral reforms in these otherwise different cases. Restrictive reforms were adopted when multiple parties that are ideologically close to ruling parties emerge, to bolster the power of ruling parties. Reforms that increase proportionality were adopted to weaken the rivals in both countries. Notably, we find that the party system dynamics between two legislative elections change dramatically, and these changes should be examined closely to understand the decision-making context.