Italian Parliament rejects gender parity in Meloni's electoral law reform

Italy's Parliament has rejected a proposal to mandate gender parity in electoral lists as part of a broader electoral law reform. The amendment, put forth by opposition parties including the Democratic Party (PD), the 5 Star Movement (M5S), and the Left-Green Alliance (AVS), was defeated in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday.

The vote saw 207 deputies oppose the amendment, with 155 in favor. This decision comes as the Chamber of Deputies begins debating the electoral reform spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government. The reform's main objective, according to its proponents, is to foster more stable governments.

A key feature of Meloni's proposed law is the introduction of a bonus of 70 seats, divided between the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, for the party or coalition that secures at least 42% of the vote. The reform has stirred significant debate within Italian politics, with even some of Meloni's allies reportedly hesitant about certain aspects, such as the provision for "shielded leaders" and candidates subject to voter preference.

The electoral reform proposal has garnered around two hundred amendments and faced unified opposition from parties outside the governing coalition. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the reform in the Chamber of Deputies by the end of the week before it proceeds to the Senate for final approval.