Abstract

CAMINOTTI, Mariana  and  FREIDENBERG, Flavia. Electoral Federalism, the Strength of Gender Quotas and Women's Political Representation in the Subnational Spheres in Argentina and Mexico. Rev. mex. cienc. polít. soc [online]. 2016, vol.61, n.228, pp.121-144. ISSN 0185-1918.

This article focuses on the design of subnational gender quotas in Argentina and Mexico and its connection with women's representation. Specifically, a measurement index of the strength of quotas legislation is developed to examine its impact on the rates of women legislators elected after 2011-2013 subnational elections in both countries. The findings reveal that the strength of quotas has increased the voting of provincial female legislators in Argentina, while the weaknesses of Mexican legislation provide larger leeway to political parties and increase the elites' strategical behavior when choosing female candidates to local congresses. According to these findings political actors and their strategic behavior must be prioritized, and the impact of the parties' internal disputes and compromises should be taken into account.

Keywords : women's legislative representation; quota laws; electoral federalism; Mexico; Argentina.

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