Italy’s parliament approved a major overhaul of the country’s electoral system on Wednesday, delivering a significant political victory to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while triggering opposition vows to challenge the law’s constitutionality. The reform was passed in a secret ballot in the Chamber of Deputies by 227 votes to 164, following Meloni’s threat to resign if lawmakers did not approve the measure.

The new electoral law, sometimes referred to as the "Melonellum," aims to promote political stability by eliminating the mixed system that allocated about one-third of parliamentary seats through first-past-the-post constituencies and replacing it with full proportional representation. Crucially, it introduces a “majority prize” that grants additional seats—up to 17.5 percent of each house of parliament—to any pre-election alliance that secures at least 42 percent of the national vote. To form such an alliance, parties must agree on a joint prime ministerial candidate and a shared political platform before the election.

Supporters of the reform argue that it seeks to reduce Italy’s longstanding political volatility by producing clearer winners and more stable governments. Meloni emphasized that the law would ensure that “whoever wins the elections must be able to govern” and that elected officials would be held accountable to their voters. Advocates highlight the advantage of the fully proportional system for the centre-right coalition led by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, which includes The League and Forza Italia.

However, the electoral changes are controversial and have drawn criticism from the opposition and political analysts. The centre-left Democratic Party has labeled the reform a “scam law” that bends democratic rules to benefit those in power and pledged to seek a constitutional court review once the law takes effect. Critics also point to potential downsides, including increased campaign costs and a projected decrease in women’s representation in parliament.

Political analysts note that the reform may paradoxically complicate Meloni’s efforts to secure a second term. The law incentivizes broad pre-election alliances, forcing difficult choices about coalition partners. Meloni faces particular pressure over whether to align with Roberto Vannacci’s far-right National Future party, which has been gaining support and now polls around 8 percent, surpassing two parties within her coalition. Forging an alliance with Vannacci would be necessary to reach the 42 percent threshold and claim the majority bonus, but the partnership is politically sensitive. Failure to do so could undermine Meloni’s prospects against a divided but potentially united centre-left opposition, which includes the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement—both struggling to finalize their joint leadership and platform.

Experts caution that if no coalition surpasses the 42 percent threshold, the majority prize would not be awarded, potentially leading to renewed political fragmentation and instability. The law’s future may also depend on legal challenges expected from civil groups and opposition parties, which could result in a confrontation before Italy’s constitutional court in the coming months.

The next general election is scheduled to take place by the end of next year, setting the stage for extensive strategic maneuvering among the major political forces under the newly enacted electoral rules.