Electoral Systems and Rules
Electoral Systems and Rules
Types of Electoral Systems
- First Past the Post (FPTP): Under FPTP system, the candidate with the majority of votes in a constituency wins the seat. This is the simplest system but can marginalise minority groups and lead to wasted votes.
- Proportional Representation (PR): PR ensures that seats in the legislature are distributed based on the proportion of votes each party receives. Various forms of PR exist such as the party-list system and the single transferable vote system.
- Mixed Systems: Mixed systems combine aspects of FPTP and PR. An example is the Additional Member System (AMS), which involves voters casting two votes: one for a constituency representative and one for a party list.
Key Electoral Rules
- Universal Suffrage: Right to vote is given to all adult citizens, with exceptions often made for those with certain criminal convictions.
- Secret Ballot: Voters have the right to cast their votes in secret, to ensure that they can freely choose without undue influence or coercion.
- Regular Elections: Elections should be held on a regular basis, usually every four to five years, to ensure that those governing are regularly held to account by the citizens.
Factors Affecting Electoral Systems and Rules
- Societal Factors: The ethno-linguistic and religious composition of a society can influence the design of electoral systems. A heterogeneous society may prefer a PR system to ensure representation of various groups.
- Political factors: Power dynamics among political elites may shape electoral rules. For instance, incumbent parties might resist electoral reforms that could jeopardise their positions.
Impact of Electoral Systems on Political Parties
- FPTP systems are associated with a two-party system over time as smaller parties struggle to win seats.
- PR systems often result in multi-party systems and coalition governments due to their inclusive nature.