On Proportional Representation Essay Research Paper Electoral

On Proportional Representation Essay, Research Paper

Electoral systems are the oldest and arguably the most important institution of a democratic nation. The right to vote is quintessential to democracy itself, however, how that vote is translated into political power depends on what type of electoral system is being used. For example in a proportional system (PR), 40% of the vote will translate into 40% of the seats in the legislature. This does not occur in the first past the post (FPTP) system whereby percentage of votes does not equal percentage of seats. Single majority plurality systems or first past the post system uses a ‘winner-take-all’ single seat district system whereby votes going to a losing candidate are wasted. For example if a candidate earned 49% of the vote, and the winning candidate takes 51% those 49% of votes are unrepresentative. Nonetheless, each system has its own unique advantages and each system will yield different impacts on the politics and the complexion of a nation. The key arguments about electoral systems revolve around the questions of democratic quality and the effectiveness of decision-making. Democratic quality is the means by which a system meets such democratic values as representativeness, accountability, equality and participation (Lijphart 2). Consequently, we shall examine the argument for Canada to reform its electoral system from a single-member plurality system to a proportional system with respect to which will ensure greater democratic qualities and effective leadership.

Canada’s political system resembles its British counterpart, as was the intention of the 1867 British North America Act. Consequently, Canada inherited the same electoral system, a single member plurality or first past the post system. Some parties have rallied for a reform of the electoral system, usually smaller and under-represented parties such as the Green parties. The reason for this is that it is in general agreement that PR systems yield greater proportionality and minority representation (Lijphart 2). Canada arguably faces shocking measure of voter apathy, citizen ignorance and distorted representation (Richie 1). Therefore, there is a growing movement to support change to a proportional representation system to tap into values such as fairness, opportunity and choice.

Proportional representation system is a broad category of electoral types. Some forms are based on voting for candidates and some are based on voting for political parties. Many combine both features. For example, Germany’s mixed-members proportional representation system guarantees geographic representation, as half of the seats are elected from Canadian style one-seat district and the other half in the multi-seat districts. Germany also sets a five percent threshold for parties to win representation, to avoid small splinter parties. The Irish parliament and the Australian senate use preference alternative voting system, which is based on voting for candidates rather than parties. Germany has used the Mixed-member PR system since it was instituted with American and British guidance after World War II. Germany’s successful experience with the system has led to many other nations adopting variations of MMPR in recent years including; Japan, Italy, Mexico, Hungary, Russia, New Zealand and Venezuela (Richie 2). Furthermore, mixed-member PR systems have a fairer representation of communities of interest not defined by geography. Such communities are more likely to be organized by how voters think, organize and choose to vote. Thus, voters have more freedom of association and choice because they need fewer votes to elect representatives.

The principle of proportional representation is that parties should win seats in legislative assemblies in proportion to their share of the popular vote. In a proportional representation systems, voters in each district are represented by several elected officials rather than just one, as in the winner-take-all system. PR will ensure that voters in the majority will earn a majority of seats, but voters in the minority will also earn their fair share of representation. For example, in a ten seat district elected by PR, a party that wins ten percent of the popular vote becomes critically significant, however in a FPTP system, this number becomes virtually irrelevant especially if these votes are not geographically concentrated (Richie 4). Thus, we shall examine which system provides for ‘fairer’ representation.

First, democracy allows a person the right to vote and also the right not to vote. However, one cannot be represented if he chooses not to vote. In the first past the post systems found in Canada and the US voter participation is only about a 50% turnout. This is a stark contrast to the 75-95% turnout rates typical in Europe where mixed member plurality systems exist. The effects of wasted votes may explain the problem of voter apathy found within FPTP systems. In a FPTP system third, fourth and fifth parties do not help to strengthen democracy. Smaller party candidates are usually ignored and such parties are trapped in a cycle of marginalization, many potential supporters will not want to waste their votes on sure losers because it would take votes away from their ‘lesser of two evils’ (Richie 7). A proportional representation system would change this calculation. Consequently, voters will have more choice and feel their