The new electoral law is now in force. From the majority bonus to preferential votes: what you need to know

The new voting rules have come into force. The Stabilicum (Law 180/2026) came into force on Saturday 24 October, fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette (following final approval by the Chamber of Deputies on 8 October and promulgation by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on 9 October).

The key features are the abolition of the single-member constituencies provided for under the Rosatellum and the introduction of a proportional representation system with a 3 per cent electoral threshold and a majority bonus for the coalition that secures more than 42 per cent of the vote. The bonus is allocated not as a percentage, but as a fixed quota of 70 Members of Parliament and 35 senators, up to a ceiling of 220 Members of Parliament – that is, 55 per cent of the seats – and 113 senators, or 56.5 per cent.

Here are the main rules, in detail.

The text of the new electoral law provides for a proportional system with a fixed ‘governability bonus’ of 70 deputies and 35 senators for the party that achieves the best result, having secured more than 42 per cent of the vote in both Houses. If this threshold is not met, or if the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate produce different election results, seats will be allocated using a purely proportional system.

When submitting their party symbols and manifestos, lists and coalitions must indicate the name of the person they will propose to the President of the Republic as their candidate for Prime Minister. The text specifies that there shall be no binding mandate and that Article 92 of the Constitution, concerning the Head of State’s prerogative to appoint the Prime Minister, shall be upheld.