Italy approves Meloni's electoral reform in confidence vote ahead of 2027 election
The Chamber of Deputies has passed electoral law reform by 227 votes to 164, despite possible Constitutional Court objections. Italy now formally enters the election campaign, with an early vote increasingly likely.
On Thursday, Italy's Chamber of Deputies passed a new electoral law, setting the stage for the 2027 general election. The legislation, known as the Stabilicum, or Melonellum, was approved by 227 votes to 164 in a secret ballot. This marks the unofficial beginning of the election campaign, though an early election before April 14 appears unlikely.
The vote saw the government's united front, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasizing their solidarity. Opposition parties, however, have yet to agree on a common leader, and divisions remain within the center-left, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.
The law introduces preference voting, blocked list leaders, and changes to signature requirements for parties without representation in Parliament. It also sets a higher threshold for gender representation. Additionally, the law addresses single-member constituencies in Bolzano and introduces voting rights for those living outside their registered residence.
The government's confidence in the reform is evident, as most MPs are expected to back it. However, Italian political scientists are watching the date when first-term MPs become eligible for a parliamentary pension, set for April 14, 2027. This threshold suggests an early election is improbable, though the Constitutional Court could still challenge the reform, complicating the government's plans.
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