Despre proiectul RE/Search
Reference Type: Journal Article
Author: Cârstocea, Andreea
Year: 2013
Title: Accountability and political representation of national minorities: a forgotten link? Evidence from Romania
Translated Title: [Az elszámoltathatóság és politikai képviselet a nemzeti kisebbségek esetében: egy elfelejtett összefüggés? Bizonyítékok Romániából]
Journal: ECMI Working Paper/European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI)/Director: Dr. Tove H. Malloy
Volume: ECMI Working Paper nr. 65/ april 2013
Pages: 25
Epub Date: 12-04-2013
Date: april 2013
ISSN: 1435-9812
Original Publication: Flensburg: European Centre for Minority Issues
Language: English
Keywords: political science, political representation, parliament granted seats
Abstract: (RO) One of the dilemmas posed by descriptive representation is whether it might generate an excessive focus on who the representative is, rather than on what s/he does, thus foregoing the importance of substantive representation. As such, various scholars have argued that descriptive representation needs an accountability mechanism to ensure that the representative does indeed pursue the interests of the minority group s/he represents. In this respect, most academic analyses agree that elections represent the most important mechanism of accountability. By making use of evidence from Romania, I argue that elections are a necessary but not sufficient condition for accountability, and that further mechanisms are needed to ensure the adequate representation of the interests of national minorities. The argument applies in particular to small, geographically dispersed minorities, which - as shown by evidence from Romania - face the highest challenges in holding to account their representatives. To do so, I first unravel the concept of political accountability as defined in the academic literature, then assess the accountability mechanisms (or lack thereof) embedded in the arrangements for descriptive representation of national minorities in Romaniam, and finally discuss their practical consequences for the representation of these groups. I conclude that due to ineffective vertical and horizontal accountability mechanisms, political representation of small national minorities in Romania remains 'captured' by a closed circle of political elites, so that presently it is extremely difficult for their constituencies to remove them from leadership should they so desire.
URL: http://www.ecmi.de/publications/detail/65-accountability-and-political-representation-of-national-minorities-a-forgotten-link-evidence-from-romania-264/