täiendaval

Täiendaval, also known as the Estonian parliamentary election, is the process through which members of the Riigikogu, Estonia’s unicameral parliament, are elected. The term originates from the Estonian language, where "täiendaval" translates to "supplementary election," though it is more broadly used to refer to all parliamentary elections in the country.

Estonia holds parliamentary elections every four years, with the most recent general election taking place in 2023. The elections follow a mixed-member proportional representation system, combining elements of direct and party-list voting. Voters cast two ballots: one for a local constituency candidate and another for a party list. The constituency vote determines the allocation of 100 seats, while the remaining 51 seats are filled based on party-list votes to ensure proportional representation.

The electoral threshold for parties to gain representation is set at 5% of the national vote, though smaller parties can enter parliament if they win at least one constituency seat. The Riigikogu consists of 101 members, who serve four-year terms. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are appointed by the President based on the confidence of the Riigikogu, ensuring that the government reflects the majority of parliamentary support.

Elections in Estonia are administered by the Riigikogu Election Commission, which oversees the process to ensure fairness and transparency. Voting is compulsory for Estonian citizens, though penalties for non-voting are rarely enforced. The country also allows for early elections if the government loses a vote of confidence or if a new government is formed without a parliamentary majority.

Täiendaval plays a crucial role in Estonia’s democratic system, allowing citizens to elect their representatives and influence government policies. The process emphasizes both local representation and proportional fairness, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusive governance.