ELECTIONS - Types of elections

Parameter

First Past the Post

Proportional Representation

Principle

Winner takes all. Candidate with the most votes wins a seat

Seats allocated based on the proportion of votes received by each party.

Representation

Winners with majority seats may not have majority votes. Representation not in proportion to votes.

More proportional representation based on votes, hence ensures diversity is maintained.

Form of government

Often results in single party majority government, hence more stable.

More likely to form a coalition, hence the chance of being unstable.

Voter participation

Since wasted votes are more, minority voters might be less interested to participate.

Less chance of votes getting wasted. This encourages people to participate more.

Chance for small parties

Small parties may struggle to win a seat and send their representatives.

Small parties can make their representations felt.

Regional variation

Can result in neglect of certain regions as majority only matters.

Less chances of regions being neglected. Hence more inclusive policies could be seen.

Accountability of the representative

Direct connections exist between the public and the representative, hence the person is more responsible.

People vote based on party interest. Hence less accountability for the representatives.

Complexity

Simple and easy to comprehend

More complex, hence illiterate people may not understand easily.

Example

India, Canada, UK

Germany, Sweden, New Zealand