The institutionalization of electoral and party systems in postcommunist states

This article examines the tabula rasa and structured view of postcommunism through the institutionalization of electoral and party systems in East Europe and the former Soviet Union. It focuses on changes in electoral regulations, electoral volatility, and the effective number of electoral pat-ties, Most transformations of election rules took place during the foundation of democratic politics and were then consolidated. Only minor reforms have been enacted after initial system engineering. In comparison with party systems in earlier periods of democratization in western and southern Europe and Latin America, volatility rates and the effective number of electoral parties are among the highest in the world. The postcommunist transitions have institutionalized electoral codes but not party systems.