Proponents of consolidating the four constituencies (South, Centre, East, North) into one argue that such a move would afford voters a broader choice, unconstrained by regional boundaries.
Conversely, supporters contend that the current system serves to ensure a more balanced representation of diverse regional interests within the Chamber of Deputies. They fear that transitioning to a unified list for the entire country could disrupt this equilibrium.
Stéphanie Feipel, an expert from the Centre for Political Education (ZPB), shared insights during an interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu, shedding light on the complexity of implementing such a change, especially considering that the existing system is enshrined in Luxembourg’s Constitution.
Feipel highlighted several factors, including the frustration of voters in rural constituencies who often cannot directly vote for better-known lead candidates. In addition, individuals who reside in one region but work in another, such as those living in northern Luxembourg while employed in the capital, could benefit from a single constituency, even if an immediate shift in the electoral system appears unlikely.
She also examined potential adjustments, such as imposing residency requirements for candidates, a criterion not currently in place, which raises questions about representativeness. Finally, she noted that the number of candidates allowed to run in each region no longer aligns with today’s demographic landscape.
Our colleagues from RTL.lu asked Luxembourg’s political parties the following question: Should the four constituencies be abolished and replaced by a single national constituency in the legislative elections?
In favour of a national constituency: Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), Green Party (déi gréng), Left Party (déi Lénk), Pirate Party, FOKUS, Volt, Luxembourg Communist Party (KPL), Conservatives (déi Konservativ)
In favour of maintaining four constituencies: Democratic Party (DP), Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr)
