Álava (Basque : Araba ) is one of the three constituencies (Spanish: circunscripciones ) represented in the Basque Parliament , the regional legislature of the Basque Autonomous Community . The constituency currently elects 25 deputies . Its boundaries correspond to those of the Spanish province of Álava . The electoral system uses the D'Hondt method and a closed-list proportional representation , with a minimum threshold of three percent.
The constituency was created as per the Statute of Autonomy for the Basque Country of 1979 and was first contested in the 1980 regional election . The Statute provided for the three provinces in the Basque Country —Álava , Biscay and Gipuzkoa —to be established as multi-member districts in the Basque Parliament , with this regulation being maintained under the 1983 and 1990 regional electoral laws. Each constituency is allocated a fixed number of 25 seats each, to provide for an equal representation of the three provinces in Parliament as required under the regional Statute. The exception was the 1980 election, when this number was 60.[ 3] [ 4] [ 5]
Voting is on the basis of universal suffrage , which comprises all nationals over eighteen, registered in the Basque Country and in full enjoyment of their political rights. Amendments to the electoral law in 2011 required for Basques abroad to apply for voting before being permitted to vote, a system known as "begged" or expat vote (Spanish : Voto rogado ) which was abolished in 2022.[ 6] [ 7] Seats are elected using the D'Hondt method and a closed list proportional representation , with an electoral threshold of three percent of valid votes—which, until 1983 and from 1990 includes blank ballots; also and until a 2000 reform, the threshold was set at five percent—being applied in each constituency.[ 3] [ 4] [ 5] The use of the D'Hondt method may result in a higher effective threshold, depending on the district magnitude .[ 8]
The electoral law allows for parties and federations registered in the interior ministry , coalitions and groupings of electors to present lists of candidates. Parties and federations intending to form a coalition ahead of an election are required to inform the relevant Electoral Commission within ten days of the election call—fifteen before 1985—whereas groupings of electors need to secure the signature of at least one percent of the electorate in the constituencies for which they seek election—one-thousandth of the electorate, with a compulsory minimum of 500 signatures, until 1983; and only the signature of 500 electors from 1983 to 1990—disallowing electors from signing for more than one list of candidates.[ 4] [ 5] [ 9] [ 10]
2024 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 21 April 2024 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Country Gather (EH Bildu)
44,815
29.15
+4.51
8
+2
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
41,111
26.74
–5.18
7
–2
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
24,911
16.20
+0.70
4
±0
People's Party (PP)1
24,429
15.89
+4.49
4
+1
Vox (Vox)
5,656
3.68
–0.09
1
±0
Unite (Sumar)2
5,630
3.66
n/a
1
±0
United We Can –Green Alliance (Podemos/Ahal Dugu–AV)2
3,681
2.39
n/a
0
–1
Animalist Party with the Environment (PACMA)3
974
0.63
+0.04
0
±0
Blank Seats to Leave Empty Seats (EB/AZ)
691
0.45
+0.07
0
±0
For a Fairer World (PUM+J)
301
0.20
–0.02
0
±0
Welcome (OE)
187
0.12
+0.07
0
±0
Blank ballots
1,369
0.88
–0.03
Total
153,755
25
±0
Valid votes
153,755
98.95
–0.03
Invalid votes
1,624
1.05
+0.03
Votes cast / turnout
155,379
59.39
+10.39
Abstentions
106,244
40.61
–10.39
Registered voters
261,623
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2020 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 12 July 2020 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
40,067
31.92
+3.91
9
+1
Basque Country Gather (EH Bildu)
30,934
24.64
+6.84
6
+1
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
19,452
15.50
+2.60
4
+1
People's Party+Citizens (PP +Cs )1
14,316
11.40
–10.22
3
–2
United We Can–United Left (Podemos/Ahal Dugu , Ezker Anitza–IU )
10,092
8.04
–8.07
2
–2
Vox (Vox)
4,734
3.77
+3.26
1
+1
Equo Greens–Greens of the Basque Country (Equo Berdeak–Verdes)
2,746
2.19
New
0
±0
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA/ATTKAA)
741
0.59
–0.40
0
±0
Blank Seats (EB/AZ)
475
0.38
+0.13
0
±0
For a Fairer World (PUM+J)
282
0.22
New
0
±0
Zero Cuts –The Greens –Municipalists (Recortes Cero–LV–M)
266
0.21
–0.23
0
±0
Free for the Basque Country (LxE/EaL)
169
0.13
New
0
±0
Welcome (Ongi Etorri)
64
0.05
–0.03
0
±0
Foralist League (LFF)
51
0.04
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
1,142
0.91
+0.20
Total
125,531
25
±0
Valid votes
125,531
98.98
–0.29
Invalid votes
1,300
1.02
+0.29
Votes cast / turnout
126,831
49.00
–10.74
Abstentions
132,015
51.00
+10.74
Registered voters
258,846
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2016 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 25 September 2016 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
42,327
28.01
+2.50
8
+1
People's Party (PP)
27,877
18.45
–0.23
5
±0
Basque Country Gather (EH Bildu)
26,899
17.80
–3.94
5
–1
United We Can (Podemos , Ezker Anitza–IU , Equo )1
24,339
16.11
+10.47
4
+4
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
19,489
12.90
–6.13
3
–3
Citizens–Party of the Citizenry (C's)
4,784
3.17
New
0
±0
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA/ATTKAA)
1,498
0.99
+0.56
0
±0
Let's Win the Basque Country: Yes We Can (Ganemos Irabazi)
856
0.57
New
0
±0
Vox (Vox)
771
0.51
New
0
±0
Zero Cuts –Green Group (Recortes Cero–GV)
664
0.44
New
0
±0
Blank Seats (EB/AZ)
385
0.25
–1.22
0
±0
Welcome (Ongi Etorri)
124
0.08
+0.02
0
±0
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD)
n/a
n/a
–3.47
0
–1
Blank ballots
1,078
0.71
–0.73
Total
151,091
25
±0
Valid votes
151,091
99.27
–0.74
Invalid votes
1,113
0.73
+0.74
Votes cast / turnout
152,204
59.74
–3.85
Abstentions
102,557
40.26
+3.85
Registered voters
254,761
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2012 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 21 October 2012 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
40,116
25.51
–4.51
7
–1
Basque Country Gather (EH Bildu)1
34,193
21.74
+13.94
6
+5
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
30,358
19.30
–11.87
6
–3
People's Party (PP)
29,374
18.68
–2.43
5
–1
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD)
5,453
3.47
–0.46
1
±0
United Left–The Greens: Plural Left (IU–LV)
4,579
2.91
New
0
±0
Equo Greens–Basque Ecologists (Equo)2
4,287
2.73
+1.91
0
±0
United Left–Greens (EB–B)
2,488
1.58
–1.73
0
±0
Blank Seats (EB/AZ)
2,309
1.47
New
0
±0
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA/ATTKAA)
669
0.43
New
0
±0
For a Fairer World (PUM+J)
638
0.41
–0.11
0
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
223
0.14
New
0
±0
Communist Unification of Spain (UCE)
154
0.10
New
0
±0
Welcome (Ongi Etorri)
101
0.06
New
0
±0
Community Integration Party (PYC)
59
0.04
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
2,270
1.44
+0.26
Total
157,271
25
±0
Valid votes
157,271
98.53
+4.14
Invalid votes
2,348
1.47
–4.14
Votes cast / turnout
159,619
63.59
–1.48
Abstentions
91,375
36.41
+1.48
Registered voters
250,994
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2009 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 1 March 2009 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
47,523
31.17
+5.87
9
+2
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)1
45,767
30.02
n/a
8
+2
People's Party (PP)
32,188
21.11
–4.64
6
–1
Aralar (Aralar)
6,613
4.34
+2.85
1
+1
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD)
5,990
3.93
New
1
+1
Basque Solidarity (EA)1
5,280
3.46
n/a
0
–2
United Left–Greens (EB–B)
5,053
3.31
–1.61
0
–1
The Greens (B/LV)
1,246
0.82
New
0
±0
For a Fairer World (PUM+J)
792
0.52
New
0
±0
Internationalist Socialist Workers' Party (POSI)
209
0.14
±0.00
0
±0
Communist Party of the Basque Homelands (PCTV/EHAK)
n/a
n/a
–13.16
0
–2
Blank ballots
1,797
1.18
+0.43
Total
152,458
25
±0
Valid votes
152,458
94.39
–5.21
Invalid votes
9,060
5.61
+5.21
Votes cast / turnout
161,518
65.07
–4.18
Abstentions
86,713
34.93
+4.18
Registered voters
248,231
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2005 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 17 April 2005 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party–Basque Solidarity (PNV –EA )
51,986
30.44
–3.11
8
–1
People's Party (PP)
43,989
25.75
–6.72
7
–2
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
43,216
25.30
+4.87
7
+2
Communist Party of the Basque Homelands (PCTV/EHAK)1
14,187
13.16
+7.03
2
+1
United Left–Greens (EB–B)2
8,409
4.92
–1.00
1
±0
Alavese Unity (UA)
3,765
2.20
New
0
±0
Aralar (Aralar)
2,542
1.49
New
0
±0
Greens –Anti-Bullfighting Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (B–PACMA)
851
0.50
New
0
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
340
0.20
–0.37
0
±0
Internationalist Socialist Workers' Party (POSI)
234
0.14
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
1,284
0.75
–0.13
Total
170,803
25
±0
Valid votes
170,803
99.60
+0.15
Invalid votes
689
0.40
–0.15
Votes cast / turnout
171,492
69.25
–9.79
Abstentions
76,153
30.75
+9.79
Registered voters
247,645
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
2001 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 13 May 2001 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party–Basque Solidarity (PNV –EA )1
64,832
33.55
+5.62
9
+2
People's Party (PP)1
62,737
32.47
–2.58
9
±0
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
39,469
20.43
+3.62
5
±0
Basque Citizens (EH)
11,836
6.13
–5.93
1
–2
United Left (IU/EB)
11,430
5.92
+0.29
1
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
1,095
0.57
+0.34
0
±0
Freedom (Askatasuna)
137
0.07
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
1,694
0.88
–0.48
Total
193,230
25
±0
Valid votes
193,230
99.45
+0.04
Invalid votes
1,070
0.55
–0.04
Votes cast / turnout
194,300
79.04
+8.77
Abstentions
51,503
20.96
–8.77
Registered voters
245,830
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
1998 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 25 October 1998 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
People's Party (PP)
45,470
26.66
+10.74
7
+3
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
36,923
21.65
–0.10
6
±0
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))
28,670
16.81
+1.22
5
+1
Basque Citizens (EH)1
20,567
12.06
+1.98
3
+1
Alavese Unity (UA)
14,305
8.39
–10.13
2
–3
Basque Solidarity (EA)
10,718
6.28
–0.96
1
–1
United Left (IU/EB)
9,606
5.63
–3.45
1
–1
Basque Country Greens (EHB)
864
0.51
New
0
±0
Natural Law Party (PLN/LNA)
750
0.44
New
0
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
387
0.23
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
2,315
1.36
–0.25
Total
170,575
25
±0
Valid votes
170,575
99.41
+0.06
Invalid votes
1,005
0.59
–0.06
Votes cast / turnout
171,580
70.27
+9.58
Abstentions
72,604
29.73
–9.58
Registered voters
244,184
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
1994 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 23 October 1994 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
29,911
21.75
–0.56
6
±0
Alavese Unity (UA)
25,469
18.52
+7.47
5
+2
People's Party (PP)
21,885
15.92
+5.09
4
+1
Socialist Party of the Basque Country–Basque Country Left (PSE–EE (PSOE))1
21,431
15.59
–12.29
4
–4
Popular Unity (HB)
13,865
10.08
–2.62
2
–1
United Left (IU/EB)
12,484
9.08
+7.94
2
+2
Basque Solidarity (EA)
9,958
7.24
–0.89
2
±0
Coalition for a New Socialist Party (NPS)2
283
0.21
+0.07
0
±0
Blank ballots
2,214
1.61
+0.81
Total
137,500
25
±0
Valid votes
137,500
99.35
+0.03
Invalid votes
898
0.65
–0.03
Votes cast / turnout
138,398
60.69
+0.45
Abstentions
89,633
39.31
–0.45
Registered voters
228,031
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
1990 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 28 October 1990 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
28,341
22.31
+2.22
6
+1
Socialist Party of the Basque Country (PSE–PSOE)
26,894
21.17
–3.71
6
–1
Popular Unity (HB)
16,139
12.70
–0.10
3
±0
Alavese Unity (UA)
14,034
11.05
New
3
+3
People's Party (PP)1
13,758
10.83
+3.98
3
+2
Basque Solidarity (EA)
10,332
8.13
–6.41
2
–2
Basque Country Left (EE)
8,526
6.71
–4.21
2
–1
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS)
2,436
1.92
–6.08
0
–2
United Left (IU/EB)
1,451
1.14
+0.83
0
±0
Ruiz-Mateos Group –European Democratic Alliance (ARM–ADE)
1,213
0.95
New
0
±0
Socialist Democracy (DS)
803
0.63
New
0
±0
The Ecologist Greens (LVE)
676
0.53
New
0
±0
Basque Country Greens (EHB)
542
0.43
New
0
±0
Workers' Socialist Party (PST)
465
0.37
+0.03
0
±0
Alliance for the Republic (AxR)2
178
0.14
+0.01
0
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
130
0.10
–0.07
0
±0
Revolutionary Communist League –Communist Movement (LKI–EMK)
114
0.09
New
0
±0
Blank ballots
1,010
0.80
+0.23
Total
127,042
25
±0
Valid votes
127,042
99.32
–0.05
Invalid votes
868
0.68
+0.05
Votes cast / turnout
127,910
60.24
–10.04
Abstentions
84,441
39.76
+10.04
Registered voters
212,351
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
1986 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 30 November 1986 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Socialist Party of the Basque Country (PSE–PSOE)
34,806
24.88
–0.18
7
±0
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
28,103
20.09
–15.40
5
–4
Basque Solidarity (EA)
20,349
14.54
New
4
+4
Popular Unity (HB)
17,912
12.80
+2.02
3
±0
Basque Country Left (EE)
15,277
10.92
+3.25
3
+1
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS)
11,195
8.00
New
2
+2
People's Alliance –Liberal Party (AP–PL)1
9,584
6.85
–9.37
1
–3
Workers' Socialist Party (PST)
474
0.34
New
0
±0
United Left (IU/EB)
429
0.31
New
0
±0
Communist Party of the Basque Country (PCE/EPK)
389
0.28
–0.62
0
±0
Humanist Party (PH)
237
0.17
New
0
±0
Internationalist Socialist Workers' Party (POSI)
182
0.13
New
0
±0
Republican Popular Unity (UPR)
126
0.09
New
0
±0
Blank ballots2
799
0.57
–0.23
Total
139,905
25
±0
Valid votes
139,905
99.37
+0.17
Invalid votes
892
0.63
–0.17
Votes cast / turnout
140,797
70.28
+3.09
Abstentions
59,551
29.72
–3.09
Registered voters
200,348
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
Footnotes:
1 People's Alliance –Liberal Party results are compared to People's Coalition totals in the 1984 election.2 The 1983 electoral law provided that blank ballots would not count as valid votes for the application of the 5 percent threshold in each district. However, this rule was not determinant in excluding any party from seat distribution during its time of application (the 1984 and 1986 elections). As a result, and for comparison purposes, blank ballots are shown here included within valid votes.
1984 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 26 February 1984 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
44,583
35.49
+5.43
9
+2
Socialist Party of the Basque Country (PSE–PSOE)
31,485
25.06
+11.10
7
+4
People's Coalition (AP –PDP –UL )1
20,380
16.22
+10.49
4
+3
Popular Unity (HB)
13,539
10.78
–3.28
3
±0
Basque Country Left (EE)
9,633
7.67
–1.51
2
±0
Left Socialist Candidacy (CSI)
2,507
2.00
New
0
±0
Neighborhood Labor (Auzolan)2
1,368
1.09
–0.09
0
±0
Communist Party of the Basque Country (PCE/EPK)
1,127
0.90
–2.11
0
±0
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD)
n/a
n/a
–19.68
0
–4
Blank ballots3
1,001
0.80
+0.22
Total
125,623
25
+5
Valid votes
125,623
99.20
+0.12
Invalid votes
1,011
0.80
–0.12
Votes cast / turnout
126,634
67.19
+8.12
Abstentions
61,832
32.81
–8.12
Registered voters
188,466
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
Footnotes:
1 People's Coalition results are compared to People's Alliance totals in the 1980 election.2 Auzolan results are compared to the combined totals of Communist Movement of the Basque Country and Revolutionary Communist League in the 1980 election.3 The 1983 electoral law provided that blank ballots would not count as valid votes for the application of the 5 percent threshold in each district. However, this rule was not determinant in excluding any party from seat distribution during its time of application (the 1984 and 1986 elections). As a result, and for comparison purposes, blank ballots are shown here included within valid votes.
1980 regional election [ edit ]
Summary of the 9 March 1980 Basque Parliament election results in Álava
Parties and alliances
Popular vote
Seats
Votes
%
±pp
Total
+/−
Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ/PNV)
31,640
30.06
n/a
7
n/a
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD)
20,716
19.68
n/a
4
n/a
People's Unity (HB)
14,804
14.06
n/a
3
n/a
Socialist Party of the Basque Country (PSE–PSOE)
14,694
13.96
n/a
3
n/a
Basque Country Left (EE)
9,658
9.18
n/a
2
n/a
People's Alliance (AP)
6,029
5.73
n/a
1
n/a
Communist Party of the Basque Country (PCE/EPK)
3,168
3.01
n/a
0
n/a
Basque Socialists' Unity Force (ESEI)
1,366
1.30
n/a
0
n/a
Communist Movement of the Basque Country (EMK/MCE)
797
0.76
n/a
0
n/a
Workers' Party of the Basque Country (ORT –PTE )
726
0.69
n/a
0
n/a
Carlist Party (EKA/PC)
461
0.44
n/a
0
n/a
Revolutionary Communist League (LKI/LCR)
438
0.42
n/a
0
n/a
Communist Unity (UC)
158
0.15
n/a
0
n/a
Blank ballots
609
0.58
n/a
Total
105,264
20
n/a
Valid votes
105,264
99.08
n/a
Invalid votes
975
0.92
n/a
Votes cast / turnout
106,239
59.07
n/a
Abstentions
73,605
40.93
n/a
Registered voters
179,844
Sources[ 11] [ 12]
^ From 2023.
^ Until 2023.
^ "Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero. Población por provincias y por sexo" . ine.es (in Spanish). National Institute of Statistics . Retrieved 8 February 2020 .
^ "Elecciones al Parlamento del País Vasco y al Parlamento de Galicia del 12 de julio de 2020" (PDF) . www.ine.es (in Spanish). National Institute of Statistics . 22 May 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020 .
^ a b Ley Orgánica 3/1979, de 18 de diciembre, de Estatuto de Autonomía para el País Vasco (Organic Law 3) (in Spanish). 18 December 1979. Retrieved 17 July 2017 .
^ a b c Ley 28/1983, de 25 de noviembre, de Elecciones al Parlamento Vasco (Law 28) (in Spanish). 25 November 1983. Retrieved 8 August 2017 .
^ a b c Ley 5/1990, de 15 de junio, de Elecciones al Parlamento Vasco (Law 5) (in Spanish). 15 June 1990. Retrieved 17 July 2017 .
^ Reig Pellicer, Naiara (16 December 2015). "Spanish elections: Begging for the right to vote" . cafebabel.co.uk . Retrieved 17 July 2017 .
^ Araque Conde, Pilar (8 June 2022). "El Congreso acaba con el voto rogado: diez años de trabas burocráticas para los residentes en el extranjero" . Público (in Spanish). Madrid. Retrieved 31 July 2022 .
^ Gallagher, Michael (30 July 2012). "Effective threshold in electoral systems" . Trinity College, Dublin. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017 .
^ Real Decreto-ley 20/1977, de 18 de marzo, sobre Normas Electorales (Royal Decree-Law 20) (in Spanish). 18 March 1977. Retrieved 14 December 2019 .
^ Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General (Organic Law 5) (in Spanish). 19 June 1985. Retrieved 30 January 2020 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Election Results Archive" . euskadi.eus (in Spanish). Basque Government. Retrieved 9 May 2024 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Basque Parliament elections since 1980" . historiaelectoral.com (in Spanish). Electoral History. Retrieved 9 May 2024 .
42°50′N 2°45′W / 42.833°N 2.750°W / 42.833; -2.750