The advantages and disadvantages of different electoral systems : a comparative approach

Abstract

Can a country really be considered as a democracy if its citizens do not generally believe that its electoral system is free and fair? The above question puts forward the idea that an electoral system is only a tangible concept and concrete system in democracies that abide by the principles of the rule of law which includes the concept of having free and fair elections. However, there are multiple understandings of what makes an electoral system free and fair. Some believe that the promotion of stability in government is the most important aspect of an electoral system, and these people tend to favour majoritarian electoral system which are understood to provide precisely a more stable government in a winner-takes-all approach. Others look at proportional representation as the most important aspect of an electoral system where minorities, which at times are represented by small parties at the fringe of the ideological spectrum, should have a voice in society as well. Others may favour semi proportional systems while many countries seek to pick and choose the advantages of all these electoral systems and in the process disregard their disadvantages. One country amongst many which takes this approach is Germany and the German electoral model amongst others is taken heavily into account in this discussion. This study looks at different electoral systems which are situated somewhere in between these electoral extremes. Some systems tilt to one side and others to the other. What is important is that this subject is approached with a critical mind from the part of all stakeholders which fully understands what favouring a particular electoral system effectively implies in practice. This study tries to be as objective as possible whilst looking at possible compromises between these schools of electoral thought.