Pier Luigi Bersani (Democratic Party of the Left), who had succeeded Enrico Boselli (Socialist Party) in 1994, was elected President of the Region, defeating Gianfranco Morra (Forza Italia) by a landslide.

This is precisely what happened in 1996, when Antonio La Forgia replaced Bersani, who had been appointed minister in Prodi I Cabinet, and again in 1999, when La Forgia was replaced by Vasco Errani.

The Legislative Assembly of Emilia-Romagna (Assemblea Legislativa dell'Emilia-Romagna) is composed of 50 members.

40 councillors are elected in provincial constituencies by proportional representation using the largest remainder method with a Droop quota and open lists, while 10 councillors (elected in bloc) come from a "regional list", including the President-elect.

If a coalition wins more than 50% of the total seats in the Council with PR, only 5 candidates from the regional list will be chosen and the number of those elected in provincial constituencies will be 45.