How do local party systems change after the direct election of mayors? Analysis of the institutional reform in Lithuania

ENThe Lithuanian parliament in 2015 amended the electoral system of local elections by introducing direct election of mayors. The reform was intended to increase the accountability of mayors, to stabilize mayoral terms, and to encourage higher turnouts in local elections. We find that these aims were achieved partially. First, we observe reduced electoral fragmentation, increase in the vote shares of independent candidates, and a higher number of independent politicians elected to mayoral posts. Second, although the reelection rates of mayors increased, stability of local coalitions did not change much. Finally, the reform did not increase turnouts significantly. [From the publication]