Electoral Systems Questions
The single non-transferable vote (SNTV) plus electoral system has several disadvantages:
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 significant number of wasted votes. This means that voters who support losing candidates or minority parties may not have their voices adequately represented in the legislature.
2. Vote splitting: SNTV can encourage strategic voting and vote splitting. Voters may feel compelled to vote for a major party candidate instead of their preferred candidate from a smaller party to avoid wasting their vote. This can lead to a distortion of voter preferences and undermine the democratic principle of representing diverse political views.
3. Lack of accountability: SNTV can weaken the 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 disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent.
4. Limited choice for voters: SNTV restricts voter choice by limiting the number of candidates that can be elected per district. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the legislature and limit the range of policy options available to voters.
5. Potential for gerrymandering: SNTV can be susceptible to gerrymandering, the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a particular political party. This can result in unfair and unrepresentative outcomes, as districts can be drawn in a way that disproportionately benefits one party over others.
Overall, the SNTV plus electoral system has disadvantages related to limited representation, vote splitting, lack of accountability, limited voter choice, and potential for gerrymandering. These drawbacks can undermine the fairness and effectiveness of the electoral process.