What are constituencies or ridings?

Constituencies, or ridings, are specific geographic areas designated for electoral purposes within a country. Each constituency elects a representative to a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, ensuring that the interests of local constituents are represented. The boundaries of these areas can vary widely based on population, geography, and political considerations, and they are often redrawn periodically through a process called redistricting. This system is integral to democratic governance, allowing citizens to participate in the political process by voting for their representatives.