The Italian regions at the polls 2005: When a political earthquake does not create a critical election

Abstract:

This article deals with the Italian Regional Elections of April 2005. After providing a brief sketch of the shaping of regional government during the past ten years, the article deals with three essential features. First: the character of the consultation. Once again, the national-political significance of regional elections has largely prevailed. Second: the relationship between turnout and party performance. The centre-right electorate abstention was at the origin of the electoral triumph of the Unione. Third: the most significant results of both majority and proportional sector contests. The result was cut and dried. The Unione gained 12 out of 14 regions where elections took place. Notwithstanding, this political earthquake did not create a critical election.