Italian politicians reject appeal against preferential voting, championing citizen choice

Italian politicians Maria Elena Boschi and Raffaella Paita, leading figures in the Italia Viva party, have publicly rejected a cross-party appeal aimed at abolishing preferential voting. They argue that the appeal, which suggests eliminating preferences might help elect more women, is fundamentally misguided and based on a flawed understanding of politics and women's roles.

"Renouncing preferences because more women are elected means having an idea of politics and women that we do not share," stated Boschi and Paita. They contend that preferential voting empowers citizens by giving them direct say in who represents them. Instead of eliminating preferences, they advocate for implementing a double preference system that allows for gender parity, ensuring that citizens' choices are paramount.

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Renouncing preferences because more women are elected means having an idea of politics and women that we do not share.

The two lawmakers emphasized their own electoral success, highlighting that they lead parliamentary groups and were elected based on their capabilities, not solely on party nominations. "We lead parliamentary groups, we were elected by colleagues, we are not afraid to measure ourselves against consensus," they asserted. They believe that relying solely on party secretaries for election transforms politicians into "pandas," lacking genuine connection with the electorate.

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We lead parliamentary groups, we were elected by colleagues, we are not afraid to measure ourselves against consensus.

Drawing from their party's liberal-democratic roots, Boschi and Paita stressed the importance of merit and warned against co-optation. They pointed to Italia Viva's leadership, with women at the helm of the party and in ministerial roles, as evidence of their commitment to empowering women through merit. They also recalled a past instance where a party achieved a historic electoral record by placing five women as lead candidates for European elections, all of whom were subsequently elected.

"We hope that all of you, and especially some of you, will join us in the battle for preferences instead of fighting for co-optation. Long live merit, always," concluded the Italia Viva leaders, urging their colleagues to embrace a system that prioritizes citizen choice and individual merit over party-controlled appointments.

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We hope that all of you, and especially some of you, will join us in the battle for preferences instead of fighting for co-optation. Long live merit, always.