Federalismo electoral, fortaleza de las cuotas de género y representación política de las mujeres en los ámbitos subnacionales en Argentina y México

This article focuses on the design of subnational gender quotas in Argentina and Mexico and its connection with women’s representation. Specifically, a measurement index of the strength of quotas legislation is developed to examine its impact on the rates of women legislators elected after 2011-2013 subnational elections in both countries. The findings reveal that the strength of quotas has increased the voting of provincial female legislators in Argentina, while the weaknesses of Mexican legislation provide larger leeway to political parties and increase the elites’ strategical behavior when choosing female candidates to local congresses. According to these findings political actors and their strategic behavior must be prioritized, and the impact of the parties’ internal disputes and compromises should be taken into account.