Italy centre‑right debates new 'Melonellum' electoral law

Within Italy's centre‑right coalition, parliamentarians are arguing over the proposed ‘Melonellum’ electoral reform that would replace the current Rosatellum system. The debate centers on how to neutralize the impact of the newly formed party led by former Moscow operative Vannacci and whether to adopt a ballotage mechanism if an alliance fails to reach a 45‑50% threshold. Proposals include reverting to a single‑round ballotage, introducing a mixed‑type system with separate uninominal and proportional votes, and granting the Meloni party exclusive rights to assign preferences for its own candidates. The discussion has also drawn reactions from the centre‑left, with some Democratic Community members supporting preferential voting while others back a block‑list approach.

A recent poll from La Stampa shows the broad centre‑left ahead of the centre‑right, intensifying pressure on the coalition to secure a clear majority under the new rules. Various political figures, including constitutional scholars and former party strategists, have offered suggestions ranging from a return to a modified Rosatellum to a hybrid system that could enable strategic agreements among parties.