Proportional representation is an electoral system that seeks to create a representative body that reflects the overall distribution of public support for each political party. In this system, the distribution of seats corresponds closely with the proportion of the total votes cast for each party. Proportional representation ensures that minority groups have a measure of representation proportionate to their electoral support, unlike majority or plurality systems that reward strong parties and penalize weak ones.
There are different types of proportional representation systems, including:
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Party List Proportional Representation: In this system, seats are first allocated to parties based on vote share, and then assigned to party-affiliated candidates on the list in the order determined by the party.
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Single Transferable Vote: This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Candidates who reach a certain quota of votes are elected, and any surplus votes they receive are transferred to other candidates based on the voters preferences.
Proportional representation has been adopted in many countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and some states in Australia. Advocates for proportional representation argue that an assembly that represents the full diversity of opinion within a country can make legitimate decisions.
