What are the disadvantages of the supplementary member electoral system?

The supplementary member electoral system has several disadvantages.

1. Wasted votes: This system often leads to a large number of wasted votes, where votes cast for losing candidates or excess votes for winning candidates do not contribute to the final outcome. This can result in a lack of proportionality and representation of voter preferences.

2. Limited choice: The supplementary member system typically limits voters to casting a single vote for a preferred candidate, which restricts their ability to express nuanced preferences or support multiple candidates from different parties.

3. Disproportionate representation: Due to the winner-takes-all nature of this system, it can lead to a disproportionate distribution of seats in the legislature. This means that parties with a significant share of the popular vote may end up with fewer seats than their proportion of votes would suggest, while smaller parties may be overrepresented.

4. Lack of accountability: The supplementary member system often results in a higher number of independent or non-party affiliated candidates being elected. This can lead to a lack of clear accountability and difficulty in forming stable governments, as these candidates may not have a clear party platform or cohesive policy agenda.

5. Limited representation of minority views: This system tends to favor larger parties and can marginalize smaller parties or minority views. It may discourage the emergence of new parties or alternative political voices, limiting the diversity of representation in the legislature.

6. Tactical voting: The supplementary member system can encourage strategic or tactical voting, where voters may feel compelled to vote for a preferred candidate from a major party rather than their true preferred candidate or party. This can distort the true preferences of voters and undermine the democratic process.

Overall, the supplementary member electoral system has several drawbacks, including wasted votes, limited choice, disproportionate representation, lack of accountability, limited representation of minority views, and the potential for tactical voting.