Catalonia prepares for its next regional vote to select the 16th parliamentary session members
In short: Catalonia is gearing up for its next regional election, which must occur by June 26, 2028. Voters will determine the composition of the 135-seat legislature, a body that holds significant power over devolved matters and the regional presidency. Understanding the mechanics of this vote reveals how the region governs itself.
The Parliament of Catalonia functions as a unicameral legislature under the 2006 Statute of Autonomy. It possesses the authority to pass laws on devolved issues and holds the power to grant or withdraw confidence from the regional president. The chamber consists of 135 seats, which are filled through a proportional voting system using closed lists and the D'Hondt method. To secure a seat, parties must overcome a three percent threshold of valid votes within their specific constituency, though the actual barrier can fluctuate based on district size and how votes are distributed across the region.
Elections are typically held every four years, with the current term set to expire on May 12, 2028. However, the regional president retains the authority to dissolve the parliament early and trigger a snap election, provided no motion of no confidence is currently active and at least one year has passed since the last dissolution. If the parliament fails to elect a president within two months of the first ballot, it faces automatic dissolution. The electoral process relies on four distinct voting districts that align with the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona, each assigned a fixed number of representatives.
Participation is open to Spanish nationals over 18 who are registered in Catalonia and retain full political rights. Recent legislative changes in 2024 introduced a zipper system, mandating that electoral lists maintain a balanced gender composition. Unlike some systems, Catalonia does not hold by-elections to fill vacant seats; instead, parties utilize their existing candidate lists or designated substitutes to fill any openings that occur during the legislative term. This structure ensures the parliament remains functional throughout its mandate, reflecting the political landscape established by the most recent electoral results.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Next Catalan regional election
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