Italy's electoral reform faces constitutional disputes and court delays

Democratic Party Senate leader Francesco Boccia criticised Senate President Ignazio La Russa, accusing the governing coalition of shaping the new electoral law to serve short‑term political goals and warning that key provisions may breach the Constitution. Boccia highlighted concerns over the representation of the Senate and the size of the majority bonus, arguing the draft, dubbed “Melonellum”, could undermine democratic balance.

At the same time, two legal challenges loom over the reform. A case before the European Court of Human Rights, filed by activist Mario Staderini, questions the law’s compatibility with the stability principle that bars major electoral changes in the year before elections. Separately, lawyer Enzo Palumbo has lodged an appeal with Italy’s Court of Cassation, alleging seven constitutional flaws, notably the prohibition of split‑ticket voting. Both courts have yet to issue rulings, leaving the future of the reform uncertain.