NI Electoral Systems - First Past The Post

For UK Westminister elections this is the system used. Voters, organised in terretorial constituencies, are presented with a a ballot paper containing a list of names of candidates, most of whom are attatched to politial parties.

Voters choose one of these candidates only and the candidate whom the largest number of voters identifies as their choice wins the seat.

EFFECTS - 

• By denying voters the opportunity to express a range of preferences it leads to 'wasted votes' where a voter can feel that he or she has little effect on the outcome of the election because their community is in the minority in that area. 
• in constituencies where there is a very even split between nationalists and unionists there may be a high turnout and a 'ribal contest' will result. This may lead to electoral pacts between parties and a straight unionist V nationalist contest will take place. This will obvioulsy reduce the representaion presented to the electorate.
• it strongly disadvantages smaller parties.
• the system encourages tactical voting within the communal groups. nationalists or unionists will vote for the candidate from the party they feel will have the best chance of success against the other communtity. 
• it encourages the continuance of sectarian voting patterns and discourages voting on social issues.
• it is relatively simple for the electorate.