MAJORITARIAN AND PROPORTIONAL SYSTEMS

Majoritarian systems

Majoritarian systems, such as first-past-the-post (FPTP), allow the voter only one vote. They work on the basis of a 'winner-takes-all' approach. The idea is that the candidate with the largest number of votes per constituency wins the seat. Candidates do not have to get more than 50% of the vote; nor do they have to win by any particular margin. Hence some seats are narrow victories (these are usually known as marginal seats) and others are won by huge amounts (safe seats).

The following advantages are claimed for this type of electoral system:

> it usually produces a clear outcome and a strong government

> it is easy for the voter to understand

> it maintains a link between MPs and their constituencies

> it allows the straightforward implementation of the winning party's manifesto.


Proportional systems

Proportional representation (PR) systems, such as the single transferable vote (STV), can allow the voter more than one vote. They work on the basis of having multiple representation either per area (i.e. larger constituencies but more representatives per constituency) or per chamber. Systems such as the additional member system (AMS) have two types of representative, one from constituencies and one from party top-up lists.

This type of system is claimed to have the following advantages:

> it produces better representation of age, race, gender and social class

> it is more representative of the electorate as a whole - single party administrations elected using these systems need to achieve more than 50% of the vote.