| Parliament name (generic / translated) |
Riigikogu / The Estonian Parliament |
| Structure of parliament |
Unicameral |
| LEGAL FRAMEWORK |
| Electoral Law |
7 June 1994
Last amendment: 14/12/1994 |
| Mode of designation |
directly elected 101 |
| Constituencies |
12 multi-member (6 to 13 seats, according to population) constituencies. |
| Voting system |
Proportional:
Direct party-list voting with proportional distribution of seats in three rounds of counting according to a simple electoral quotient. The distribution of leftover "compensation mandates" (26 seats) takes place on the basis of a modified d'Hondt method.
Candidates are listed on the ballot paper on which each elector indicates his or her choice. In determining the electoral results, a simple quotient is calculated for each district by dividing the number of valid votes cast by the number of seats allocated to the district; each candidate who obtains more votes than this quotient is declared elected. Moreover, candidates presented on party lists are enumerated by order of votes obtained; each of these lists is allocated a number of seats equal to the number of times its votes obtained exceed the quotient, those candidates receiving the most votes being declared elected. Finally, mandates not assigned at the district level are distributed as national "compensation mandates" on the basis of a modified d'Hondt method among those parties and electoral coalitions whose candidates obtained at least 5% of the national vote.
Vacancies which occur between general elections are filled by candidates who are "next-in-line" on the list of the party or electoral coalition which formerly held the seat. They are also known as "substitute members".
Voting is not compulsory. |
| Voter requirements |
- age: 18 years
- Estonian citizenship
- disqualifications: mental incompetence, court conviction, detention |
| CANDIDATES |
| Eligibility |
Qualified electors
- age: 21 years
- Estonian citizenship
|
| Incompatibilities |
- other public office |
| Candidacy requirements |
- candidates may be nominated by political parties, electoral unions or individual citizens
- an amount equal to approximately US$ 75 must be deposited with the National Election Committee in each case. The amount will be reimbursed provided the candidate in question is elected, obtains votes equal to at least 1/2 of the electoral quotient or appears on a national list entitled to "compensation mandates"
- nominations must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the elections |
Compare data for parliamentary chambers in the Electoral system module
