For and against reforming Westminster elections

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For and against reforming Westminster elections

Advantages

  • Electoral fairness - it is fair that a party's strength in parliament should reflect its level of support in the country. Proportionality is therefore fundamental to political equality. When using PR systems, all votes have equal value.
  • All votes count - using PR systems, fewer votes are wasted. This would strengthen electoral turnout, promote civic engagement and prevent disillusionment.
  • Majority government - governments elected under PR will require 50% of the vote, meaning that they will be genuinely popular governments with broad-based support. FPTP can give parliamentary majorities with only 35% of the vote, as occurred in 2005.
  • Accountable government - FPTP leads to executive domination as a single party has control over the majority of the Commons. Under PR, governments must listen to parliament and compromise, as they need the support of at least two other parties.
  • Consensus political culture - PR systems distribute political power more widely. A wider range of parties are involved in the policy making process, so more consultation, negotiation and compromise is necessary.

Disadvantages

  • Clear electoral choice - FPTP offers voters a clear and simple choice between two major parties, each committed to a different agenda. This makes elections meaningful to ordinary people.
  • Constituency representation - FPTP establishes a strong link between a representative and his or her constituency. A single representative means people know who represents their interests and who they should take their grievances to.
  • Mandate democracy - in FPTP voter get what they vote for, the winning party has the mandate to carry out electoral promises. The doctrine of the mandate cannot function under PR, where policies are decided in post-election deals rather than endorsed by the electorate.
  • Strong government - FPTP ensures that governments can govern, as they enjoy majority control over the Commons. Coalitions are weak and ineffective because they have to seek support from two or more parties.
  • Stable government - single-party governments are stable and unified, and can normally last a full term in office. This is because they are united by a common ideological loyalty and have the same party disciplines. Coalitions do not benefit from this, so they are weak and unstable.

Evaluation

A PR system which still shares some of the benefits of FPTP would be the most appropriate to reform to, for example AV.

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