A
Proportional, Representation is a system which ensures the total number
of votes which a party scores is calculated proportion to the total number of
votes cast. This ensures tr each party is represented in the legislature.
Proportional, Representation is a system which ensures the total number
of votes which a party scores is calculated proportion to the total number of
votes cast. This ensures tr each party is represented in the legislature.
ILLUSTRATION:-For example, take
the figures below as the results of an election in which three parties
participated, assuming that there are 120. seats in the legislature.
the figures below as the results of an election in which three parties
participated, assuming that there are 120. seats in the legislature.
% of votes | No. of seats allocated | |
Party A 65,000 Party B 20,000 Party C 1 5,000 | votes 65 votes 20 votes 15 | 78 24 18 |
TOTAL No. of votes 100,000 | 100% | 120 |
Each party is
allocated seats in the legislature according to percentage votes.
MERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
1. PROPORTIONAL
REPRESENTATION:-
REPRESENTATION:-
There is proper
consideration of each vote cast, making the reality of the notion of ‘one man; one vote’ ‘one
value.
consideration of each vote cast, making the reality of the notion of ‘one man; one vote’ ‘one
value.
2. IT
IS DEMOCRATIC:-
IS DEMOCRATIC:-
The system makes
for a true democracy. They are involved i the decision making process
for a true democracy. They are involved i the decision making process
3. EQUAL WEIGHTS:- |
The system allows
all seats to be given equal weights.
all seats to be given equal weights.
4. IT INCREASES VOTERS
CHOICE:- The choice of the
voters are widened, especially in a multi-member constituency. 5. WIDER CONSULTATION:
It reflects the views of all areas,
groups. Through this a truly representative
government is put in place.
groups. Through this a truly representative
government is put in place.
6. UPHOLD FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: Proportional representation also allows free expression of individual opinion. |
DEMERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.
1. WEAK GOVERNMENT:-
Since each state
or party is represented according to its population, a weak government may be
produced.
or party is represented according to its population, a weak government may be
produced.
2. FALSE ASSUMPTION:-
The system is based on a wrong
assumption.
assumption.
3. COMPLEX ELECTORAL SYSTEM:-
It increases the
complexity of the electoral system.
complexity of the electoral system.
4. EMERGENCE OF SPLINTER
GROUPS:-– : many of these group may emerge in the system.
GROUPS:-– : many of these group may emerge in the system.
5. REDUCES PARTY DISCIPLINE:- This is due to the fact that representatives
are representing the interest
of the electorates. So, in most cases, they tend — disregard party discipline in issues about the electorate. Party
discipline is highly desirable to give order to government.
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