Legal experts launch appeals against Italy’s new electoral law

Legal experts and political figures are organizing a massive judicial challenge against Italy’s new electoral law, which was approved on October 8. The law aims to ensure government stability by requiring coalitions to be defined before voting, with a majority prize contingent on reaching a 42% threshold.

Coordinated by Roberto Zaccaria, Pietro Adami, and Enrico Grosso through the “Rete per un voto libero e uguale,” the initiative plans to file 30 appeals across various courts of appeal and the Constitutional Court. These legal actions are expected to coincide with the law’s entry into force on October 26.

Critics and constitutionalists argue the reform distorts constitutional principles regarding vote equality and representativeness. Specific concerns include the 42% majority prize, blocked lists, mandatory list leaders, increased signature requirements, and the redesign of overseas constituencies. The movement has garnered support from approximately 500 individuals, including prominent politicians, jurists, writers, and cultural figures.