National Senators in Chile: a proposal to legitimize bicameralism and prevent electoral tourism
Authors
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Roberto Munita
Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5551-6383
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Benjamín Lagos
Universidad Finis Terrae
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2791-082X
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Abstract
Chile has a highly symmetric and congruent bicameral system; the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies share similar electoral rules, often identical territorial bases, and largely overlapping functions. The literature has warned that this institutional configuration weakens the justification for bicameralism and that advancing toward models with greater differentiation is preferable. This article examines the profile of senators elected over the past 20 years and proposes the introduction of nationally elected senators as a way to increase differentiation between the two chambers and thereby strengthen the legitimacy of the bicameral system. It is argued that this institutional innovation would reduce electoral tourism, channel non-presidential national leadership, enrich parliamentary deliberation, and mitigate the effects of permanent campaigning.
Keywords:
bicameralism , senate , local affairs , electoral tourism , permanent campaignReferences
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