The federal electoral constituency in Belgium: deliberative perspectives

Belgium constitutes a good illustration of Mill’s statement about public opinion in divided societies: “the united public opinion…cannot exist [in a country which citizens] read and speak different languages” (1993: 391-7). However, according to Lijphart (2007), sociological and political divisions are not problematic. On the contrary, his seminal work on consociationalism promotes such separations among social groups through power-sharing and self-rule. Concerning its electoral system, Belgium represents a striking case of consociational design; whereas criticised by several due to its consequences on the Belgian political system. Indeed, it implies an ethnicisation of political life while it favours intra-groups’ claims escalation as well as it prevents inter-groups communication. In this respect, the proposal for a federal electoral constituency (FEC) in Belgium was put back on the agenda in 2007. First proposed in 1979, the proposal was quite fairly debated during the electoral campaign and government formation.This proposal offers deliberative perspectives to that question. Indeed, electoral studies do not tackle citizens’ perceptions, at least not directly, nor do they focus on reasons of citizens’ opinions. Yet, a specific deliberative methodology (scenario workshop) can explore this research path. Based on data collected during autumn 2009, we can offer tentative answers to crucial questions relating to citizens’ opinions about the FEC: what do they think? Do they feel involved and concerned by this debate? Do they agree or disagree with the electoral reform proposal? And, more importantly, why do they think so when invited to deliberate with other citizens, politicians and experts?