Local independent lists are a general phenomenon on the local level in many European countries - in established Western countries as well as in new democracies in Middle and Eastern Europe. The research is linked to the much-discussed phenomenon of the growing disenchantment with political parties and the sceptical evaluation of political parties on the local level. Typically, these lists understand themselves as non-parties or anti-parties and therefore assume a contra position in the local party system. The edited book aims first at developing a theoretical and conceptual framework for these non-partisan lists. Second, the contributions describe and analyse for the first time comparatively presence, success, organisational structure, behaviour and performance of these local actors in twelve West and East European countries.

":Local independent lists are a general phenomenon on the local level in many European countries - in established Western countries as well as in new democracies in Middle and Eastern Europe. The research is linked to the much-discussed phenomenon of the growing disenchantment with political parties and the sceptical evaluation of political parties on the local level. Typically, these lists understand themselves as non-parties or anti-parties and therefore assume a contra position in the local party system. The edited book aims first at developing a theoretical and conceptual framework for these non-partisan lists. Second, the contributions describe and analyse for the first time comparatively presence, success, organisational structure, behaviour and performance of these local actors in twelve West and East European countries."

Local Lists in Europe.- Local Lists in East and Central European Countries.- Local Lists in the Czech Republic.- Independent Local Lists in Croatia: In Search for a Composite Theoretical Frame.- Local and National Parties in Hungary.- Citizen Electoral Alliances in Estonia: Citizen Democracy versus Cartel Parties.- Non-party Lists in Local Election in Poland.- A bridging case?.- Independent Local Lists in East and West Germany.- Local Lists in West European Countries.- Local Political Parties in the Netherlands: Anomaly or Prototype?.- All Politics is Local, Partisan or National? Local Lists in Belgium.- Local Parties in Sweden.- Independent Lists in Norwegian Local Politics.- Independents and Citizen's Groups in Portuguese Municipalities.- Multi-Party Politics in England: Small Parties, Independents, and Political Associations in English Local Politics.- Conclusion.- Conclusion: Independent Local Lists in East and West European Countries.