Ehdokaslistio

Ehdokaslistio, often translated as candidate list, is a fundamental component of proportional representation electoral systems. It is a ranked list of candidates nominated by a political party or a coalition for a specific election. When voters cast their ballot for a party in a proportional system, their vote is typically allocated to the party as a whole. The success of the party in gaining seats is then determined by the overall vote share it achieves. However, the specific candidates who fill those seats are determined by the order in which they appear on the ehdokaslistio.

Candidates are usually placed on the list by the party's internal selection process, which can vary significantly between parties. This process might involve nominations by local branches, votes by party members, or decisions made by party leadership. The ranking on the list is crucial; candidates higher up the list have a greater chance of being elected, assuming the party wins enough seats. In some systems, voters may have the option to express a preference for a specific candidate on a party's list, potentially altering the order of election if a candidate receives enough individual votes. The ehdokaslistio therefore plays a vital role in translating party support into elected representation.