PORPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION

Question 1

Do proportional representation systems have single member electorates like PV and FPP?

Answer 1

No

PR systems have multi-member electorates which elect more diverse chambers with a greater variety of parties and independents being represented.

Question 2

Describe proportional representation

Answer 2

Proportional representation (PR) systems aim to reflect the proportion of the vote received by a political party as a proportion of seats gained in the parliament. If a party received 30% of the votes in an election, they would receive 30% of the seats in the chamber.

Question 3

What are the advantages of Preferential Voting system

Answer 3

STV/PR is much fairer to electors, candidates and political parties

Minor and micro parties and independents are more likely to be elected

The diversity of society is more likely to be represented as electors are more likely to vote for parties rather than candidates. This makes parties more willing to support more diverse candidates.