Electoral Systems Questions
The disadvantages of the single non-transferable vote (SNTV) electoral system include:
1. Limited representation: SNTV often leads to a lack of proportionality in representation. Since only one candidate can be elected per district, it can result in a situation where a significant portion of the population is not represented, especially smaller political parties or minority groups.
2. Wasted votes: SNTV can lead to a high number of wasted votes. If a voter's preferred candidate does not receive enough votes to win, their vote is essentially wasted and does not contribute to the final outcome. This can discourage voter participation and lead to a sense of disillusionment among the electorate.
3. Vote splitting: SNTV can encourage vote splitting among similar candidates or parties. Since voters can only choose one candidate, multiple candidates from the same ideological or political group may run, dividing the votes among them. This can result in the victory of a candidate who may not have majority support.
4. Lack of accountability: SNTV can lead to weak accountability of elected representatives. Since candidates are elected individually, they may not feel as accountable to their constituents as they would under a proportional representation system. This can result in a lack of responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the electorate.
5. Potential for gerrymandering: SNTV can be susceptible to gerrymandering, the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. This can lead to unfair outcomes and undermine the principle of equal representation.
Overall, the SNTV electoral system has several disadvantages, including limited representation, wasted votes, vote splitting, lack of accountability, and potential for gerrymandering.