Parliamentary Elections, Representation and the Law

ISBN-13: 9781849461474 / Angielski / Twarda / 2012 / 196 str.

Caroline Morris

Opis

Parliamentary elections are the foundation of the democratic state, providing legitimacy to government and an opportunity for citizens to participate in the democratic process. But, despite the crucial role of elections in government and society, the law governing them is fragmented, both conceptually and in terms of the legal framework. This book examines each stage of the UK's electoral process from the perspective of the candidate seeking to become a Member of Parliament (MP), including eligibility and qualification, the candidate selection process, nominations, disputed elections, and then, finally, disqualification from the House of Commons. Each stage of the process is considered in light of developments in political practice and human rights jurisprudence, and an argument is made for the rethinking and reform of the law of parliamentary candidacy and membership. The book takes into account the reforms ushered in by the UK's parliamentary expenses scandal of 2009, and it also looks to the new electoral era that may eventuate under the Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition government: the referendum on the alternative vote electoral system, the prospect of recall elections for errant MPs, and the opening up of the candidate selection process. The book will be of interest to those dealing with constitutional and administrative law, as well as those interested in politics more generally.