Themes, approaches, and methods in the geographical analysis of Czech and Slovak parliamentary elections: a systematic review

Abstract

This article reviews the field of electoral geography in Czechia and Slovakia. It systematically analyses selected publications to identify the most and least frequently researched topics, theories, and methods. Most of the analyzed studies strived to determine the factors underlying the uneven geographical distribution of election results. Issues of turnout and geographical representation were the least common. The cleavage theory was the most frequently applied theoretical approach, although most studies did not apply any theory. Only one study used the qualitative methodology, whereas the rest relied on quantitative methods. Most often, analyses were performed at the scale of districts and municipalities. The article identifies possible directions for future research in the electoral geography of Czechia and Slovakia.