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Bonus Seat Electoral Reform Passes Italian Parliament in Win for Giorgia Meloni
Italy's parliament has given final approval to a bonus seat electoral reform backed by Giorgia Meloni, creating a fully proportional system with bonus seats for any coalition winning the most votes. The lower house passed it in a secret ballot by 227 votes to 164.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 8, 2026
• 2 Min Read
How the new system works
The overhaul of Italy's electoral law introduces a fully proportional model, with bonus seats going to any coalition that wins the most votes. The bonus seat would be granted to any coalition reaching a vote threshold of 42% of the vote. Under the new rules, parties and alliances would be required to lay out their government programme and name their candidate for prime minister well before a general election.
Meloni staked her government on the vote
Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy, made the vote a test for her rightwing coalition and warned MPs from her allies, including Forza Italia and the League, that defeat would trigger a government crisis. In early September her government became Italy's longest serving since the second world war.
After the result, she said on social media that the victory answered those who wanted her coalition divided.
Today we respond with action: we are united, cohesive and determined to fulfil the commitments made to citizens
Opposition calls it a scam and plans a court challenge
Opposition politicians held up signs decrying the law as a "scam" and a "con" when the result was announced. Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic party, said Meloni's alliance sought to change the electoral system because it feared losing the next general election. Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the changes in the constitutional court.
What comes next
The coalition has faced tensions and setbacks in recent months, along with a threat from the rise of new far-right rival Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale. The broad leftwing alliance led by the Democratic party remains highly fractious, with no clear leader or programme. An Ipsos Doxa survey found the opposition coalition could reach the 42% threshold if it overcame internal divisions. The general election is officially due before October 2027, but could be brought forward to April or May.
