The map is devoted to the second round of democratic elections in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Both parliamentary and presidential elections are included. Since 115 parties, coalitions and candidates had to be represented even when a treshold value of 3% of all valid registered votes had been introduced, it was impossible to furnish each of the latter with an individual colour. Contestants of similar political outlook were given similar colours across state borders. The deciding factor in this grouping was, alongside the political programme of the contesting parties, the political outlook of their members and their political leaders. Consequently, conservative parties were awarded a yellow colour, liberal parties blue and violet tones. Different tones of red were reserved for the group comprising of social democrat through to communist contestants. Green tones naturally characterise ``green'' or conservationist parties. Brown and violet tones indicate contestants that are basically concerned with representing nationalist, ethnic and regional interests.

An orange tone is reserved for political alliances. Tones of grey with black or red patterns of dots denote parties dominated by a charismatic ``leader'' and without a real programme. Patterns of black lines against a grey background stand for contestants that promote the special interests of a particular s ocial group (e.g. pensioners). Grey alone denotes independent candidates.