Italy's electoral law reform: Forza Italia leans towards 'yes' on preferential votes, PD seeks secret ballot

Italy's Chamber of Deputies is poised to vote on a contentious electoral law reform, with a key amendment proposing a mixed system that includes preferential voting for candidates. The Lega party has signaled its intention to support this amendment, viewing it as a way to balance governability with territorial representation. Forza Italia is also considering the proposal as a potential compromise, though a final decision was pending further group discussions.

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Having found that it provides for a mixed system that guarantees governability and the possibility of giving voice to the territories in the choice of their representatives, the party will instruct its group in the Chamber to express a favorable vote on the amendment in question.

The Democratic Party (PD), however, has voiced strong opposition to the reform. Party leader Elly Schlein denounced the law as "terrible" and "unacceptable" in both its method and substance, accusing the ruling majority of tailoring it out of fear of electoral defeat. She characterized the reform as an attempt to establish a premiership through electoral means, particularly after a previous constitutional referendum defeat. Schlein criticized the government's focus on this reform while the country faces economic stagnation, low wages, and high energy costs.

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no decision has yet been made by Forza Italia regarding the amendment. The position will be discussed in the meeting of the FI group in the Chamber scheduled for around 12 p.m.

The PD intends to resist the reform by demanding secret ballots on all permissible amendments, including those concerning preferential voting. Schlein stated that the party would not support any measures from the current right-wing government but would back amendments from opposition allies that aim to overcome blocked lists through single-member constituencies or preferential votes. The party aims to present a united front with other opposition groups against what they perceive as a flawed electoral law.

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This terrible electoral law is unacceptable, in method and in substance. They built it to measure for fear of losing the elections, making constant forced moves in parliament.