The so-called "electoral threshold" is designed to promote the establishment of a few large parties over a gaggle of small ones.

CNN: THE NEW ELECTION MATH

Deputy Jeremy Macon said politicians should only use the results of the referendum on electoral reform if it reaches that threshold.

BBC: Minimum turnout call for Jersey's referendum

Instead, he was ready to discuss with Mr Veltroni a new electoral system along German lines: proportional representation, with a threshold for parliament.

ECONOMIST: Silvio Berlusconi's makes big plans for a new party