The local electoral system in Turkey: Problems and proposal of a new model

In this study, the local elections and the electoral system that provide local representative democracy are discussed in the context of the municipalities and the metropolitan municipalities. The current local electoral system, which has been constructed in a manner that is against justice in representation but in favor of stability in administration, have created unfair and disproportionate results in local elections. These results are more unfair and disproportionate compared to the national election system. The local election system has many problems to be solved, especially the injustice of the representation. However, finding solutions for this problematic field is not on the agendas of political actors. In the literature, there are relatively few studies dealing with the local electoral system. The main research question of the study is formulated in this way: "How should be a new local electoral system that harmonizes the principles of justice in representation and stability in the administration in the formation of decision and executive bodies in municipalities and metropolitans in Turkey?" In this context, it is aimed to develop an applicable local electoral system that will reconcile the two principles, will ensure a wider and more fair representation, will be appropriate the international principles and standards, will be easily adaptable for the voters and the political parties. Within the scope of the study, local election systems of England, France and Italy have also been examined. The electoral system has been handled in a wide sense in this study. In this way, in addition how the municipal council and the mayor will be elected, the local electoral system and its many components have been discussed and a new local electoral system covering all these components has been proposed. Keywords: Local Elections, Electoral Systems, Local Administrations, Representation, Justice in Representation