Should the UK reform the Electoral System used for General Elections

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Timothy Linehan                                                                                        

Politics Essay On Electoral Reform.

The first alternative type of system is the majority system with two of the most common types of majority system being the Alternative Vote system, the Supplementary Vote system. These systems are very similar with voters ranking candidates in order of preference and the candidate who wins 50% or more wins the election. If no one does gain this 50% the lowest ranked candidate is eliminated and the second preference votes are redistributed till 50% is gained by a candidate. The difference in the Supplementary Vote system is that voters are only allowed to select two preferences. The disadvantage of these systems is that it leads to disproportional support for the centre party, because more often than not if they are not a voter’s first choice they would be their second choice. The second type of system is the proportional system, which includes two main types of this system, the List system and the Single transferable Vote system. The List system has varying forms within it, such as the Closed and the Open List system. In the Closed List parties submit a list of candidates for each constituency and then voters vote for parties on their ballot paper. Seats are allocated to parties on the proportion of the vote they win and candidates are given seats by working down the list. In the Open List system candidates are indicated on the ballot paper and then the party vote is determined by how much of the vote their candidates receive. The distribution of seats is the same as in the Closed List system. Disadvantages of these List systems are that the party headquarters draws up the list of candidates and so voters do not have any individual choice over candidate selection. Also the size of the multi-member constituencies means that the links between the MP and the constituency members are weak and MPs do not have local constituencies so there is no sense of responsibility for an MP over a particular section of the electorate. The other main proportional system is the Single Transferable Vote system which includes voters ranking candidates in order of preference and then seats are allocated according to a quota system which is determined by a formula (Votes/Seats+1)+1. If the quota is met then this candidate’s surplus votes are redistributed to the second preference till the next candidate gains the quota and this continues until all seats are filled. The obvious disadvantage of this system is that it is extremely complicated and incredibly difficult to comprehend. It is also complex to hold by-elections due to the intricate nature of this quota system.

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The third alternative system is the hybrid system and this contains two main forms, the Additional Member system and the Alternative Vote Plus system. A mixture of systems is combined, with the Additional Member system mixing the plurality system with the proportional system. The country is divided into constituencies and the simple majority elects a candidate to each constituency. Remaining seats are allocated from Regional party lists depending on the proportion of vote for each party. The Alternative Vote Plus system is very similar to the previously mentioned system, with the only real difference being the use of the Alternative ...

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