Italy advances electoral law reform, reshaping overseas seats and preferential voting

Parliamentary leaders are accelerating a revision of Italy's electoral law ahead of a Senate and Chamber vote scheduled for late June. The proposal includes a major overhaul of the overseas constituencies: the current four macro‑areas for the Chamber of Deputies would be reduced to two, and a single nationwide constituency would replace the four districts used for the Senate. Advocates argue the change could streamline representation, while critics warn it would dilute regional ties and affect parties such as the MAIE, which has traditionally relied on strong support in South America.

The reform also revives debate over re‑introducing preferential voting. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s bloc plans to submit a specific amendment, while opposition parties and factions within the Democratic Party are split on the issue. Meanwhile, a group of regional councillors in Campania filed a motion urging the national law to abandon blocked lists and restore direct voter choice, signalling growing pressure from sub‑national bodies for greater democratic participation.

If enacted, the changes would reshape how Italians abroad vote and could alter the balance of power among parties that depend on overseas ballots, while also influencing the internal dynamics of candidate selection within Italy’s parties.