Circonscriptions

Circonscriptions are geographic units used to elect representatives to a legislative body. They form the basic units of geographic representation in many electoral systems and determine which voters are in and out of each district. A circonscription may elect a single representative or several, depending on the system, and the voting method can be majoritarian (for example, first-past-the-post or a two-round system) or incorporate proportional elements within a larger framework.

Drawing and adjusting circonscriptions, a process called redistricting or delimitation, aims to reflect population changes while respecting geographic contiguity and community ties. Boundaries are typically reviewed after censuses or major demographic shifts. In some countries, independent commissions oversee redistricting to limit partisan influence; in others, the legislature or executive branch handles it. Redistricting can shape political power and representation, and it is sometimes controversial because districts can be drawn to favor particular parties or groups, a practice known as gerrymandering.

Examples and variations exist across jurisdictions. The term circonscriptions is closely associated with jurisdictions that use French terminology, but many countries use the equivalent concept under different names such as electoral districts or constituencies. In some systems, circonscriptions are single-member districts with fixed boundaries; in others, they are part of a mixed framework that combines districts with proportional representation to allocate seats. The design and management of circonscriptions influence representation, minority rights, and electoral competition, making redistricting a central element of democratic governance.