Elections and Referendums

Question 1

Should the UK replace FPTP for westminster elections?
- yes

Answer 1

• STV, List PR better reflect vote share FPTP distorts results
• UK only country in Europe to use FPTP
• does not always make strong majority (2017)
• discriminates against smaller parties
• voted with low share of vote not representative (C 2015 won with 37% of vote)
• many votes are wasted
• encourages tactical voting
• MPs elected without support from majority of constituents

Question 2

Should the UK replace FPTP?
- no

Answer 2

• traditionally produced strong and stable gov
• easy to understand and familiar
• enbales strong link for MPs and constituents
• avoid need for coalition (2010)
• none of the alternatives are without flaws
• used in USA
• quick and straightforward to collect votes