Abstract: Access of women in elective positions is a global problem. Gender electoral quotas may represent a good instrument to face it, but in Italy their general introduction has been considered not compatible with the fundamental principle of equality by the Constitutional Court. More simply, some statutes (constitutional law n. 2/2001 and constitutional law n. 1/2003) impose to the regional and national legislators to promote the equal access of men and women in elective positions. However, other (temporary) instruments could work efficiently: preferential advertising channels to make the presence of female candidates visible, statutes or different rules requesting the necessary presence of candidates of both sexes, economic incentives for political parties which choose to enter at least a minimum percentage of women in their lists.

Bibliographic notes: Traduzione a cura di E. Dal Comune