Proportional Representation

Published by Mario Oettler on

Each party receives the share influence (e.g., seats in a parliament) corresponding to the share of votes. If a party gets 30% of all votes, it gets 30% of all seats in the parliament. This type of election is suitable for electing groups of people. But it is rather bad for decisions.

Advantages

  • This system is a good reflection of the voter’s will.
  • Small parties have an influence
  • It is hard to manipulate through the shape of electoral districts

Disadvantages

  • Voters cannot influence candidates directly since there is a list necessary
  • Lower preferences are not reflected

Example

The following table shows the preference order of a group of people. They can choose their favorite party (1. Preference)

PreferenceAABBCC
PreferenceBCACAB
PreferenceCBCABA
Number of persons with this preference order605253

Total number of voters: 21

The result is:

  • Influence party A: 6/21 = 28.6%
  • Influence party B: 7/21 = 33.33%
  • Influence party C: 8/21 = 38.1%

If the total number of seats in the parliament is 100, party A would get 29 seats (after rounding), B 33, and party C 38.

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