Regionali

Regionali refer to elections held at the regional level to choose the regional government and the regional assembly. In countries with devolved powers, such as Italy, these elections determine the composition of the regional council and, in many cases, the president of the region, who heads the regional executive. The exact rules vary by jurisdiction, but a common pattern is a mixed system in which the president is elected directly by voters and the regional council is elected by proportional representation. If no presidential candidate obtains an absolute majority in the first round, a second round between the top two candidates is often held. The winning coalition may receive a majority prize or other mechanisms to ensure governability.

Regional governments administer devolved powers such as health care, transport and infrastructure, education and culture, environment and planning, and local economic development. Elections are typically held at fixed intervals, commonly every four or five years, though the timetable can differ by region and country. Voter eligibility generally requires regional residency and citizenship, with age thresholds applying for suffrage.

Results often reflect local political dynamics, including the strength of regional or local parties alongside national ones. The composition of the regional council and the governor or president can influence budget priorities, public services, and regional planning. Variations in rules—such as party thresholds, rounding rules for seat allocation, and campaigning financing—also shape regional electoral competition.