Deshko T. Correlation between electoral systems and party systems (based on experience of postcommunist countries and Ukraine).

The dissertation proposes a method of electoral system design for a particular country. The method is based on two key approaches to electoral systems (rational choice theory and cultural modernisation theory). Research moves from general interrelations between electoral and party systems to statistical analysis of regional trends and specific country needs. In the dissertation with the use of statistical methods the validity of Duverger's law and hypothesis are confirmed for the region of Central and Eastern Europe and to a lesser extent for the former Soviet Union countries. An electoral system model was proposed for Ukrainian parliamentary elections: proportionality with the use of Hare quota, regional closed party lists, and 3-4 percent threshold.