Closed List System

Question 1

Where is it used ?

Answer 1

EU elections
Portugal
Spain

Question 2

Open Lists

Answer 2

RARE - Austria, Finland, Sweden - degree of voter choice in candidates

Question 3

How it works

Answer 3

It is a form of Proportional Rep !!!
Each party produces a list of candidates
List = shown on ballot paper
Voter chooses one of the lists and casts their vote for it
Seats are awarded in Proportion to the votes cast for it

Question 4

Closed List Means…

Answer 4

Party leadership decision in what order their candidates are elected

Question 5

Closed Regional List system

Answer 5

EU Parliament
Country is divided into regions
Each region party produces list of candidates
Voters vote for one of the lists in region
If party wins 40% of total vote in region
Party can chose 40% of candidates on list

Question 6

Advantages !!!!!!

Answer 6

Usually strong connection between votes won and seats obtained
Fairer to smaller parties
Likely to produce coalitions
Good at securing representation of more women & minority groups

Question 7

Disadvantages!!!!!!

Answer 7

Place power in the hands of the party managers who can position troublesome candidates near the bottom - reduce chances of election
Closed - deny voters a choice of candidate
Coalition more likely
No clear link between constituency and MP