Re: [A-List] On PR and STV

[Douglas Chalmers <dch@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On 15/5/03 9:22 am, "Sabri Oncu" <soncu@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Just for your information:
>
> PR stands for Proportional Representation whereas STV stands for
> Single Transferable Vote. I don't exactly understand how STV
> system works but you may look at this address for some
> explanation:
>
> http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/prbill.html
>
> Maybe our Scottish friends would offer some help.
>
> Sabri
>
>
STV is a type of proportional representation which I think gives the best
choice to the voters. In Scotland it was supported by the Communist Party,
Liberal Democrats the Scottish nationalists, and the Greens (I think it is
also  the favoured system of the SSP).
The way it works is that constituencies instead of being represented by one
councillor or MP or Assembly member, are enlarged to become 'multi-member'
constituencies, represented by perhaps 3 or 4 elected representatives. Each
voted casts her/his vote in terms of preference , i.e. 1; 2; 3 etc.

If there are 4 members in each constituency, then the first preference votes
are counted ( i.e. the "1"). Once a representative gains 25% plus 1 vote (
ie a quarter plus 1 in a '4 way' seat), they are deemed elected. Their "2nd"
preferences are then counted, and added to the "1st" preferences of the
others. Once this brings a second representative up to 25% plus one, she/ he
is also elected and their "2nd" preference votes redistributed etc.

This way, no vote is 'wasted' and the representatives elected should be in
proportion to the votes cast.

Disadvantages cited are that the 'link' with the representative and the
constituency is not so direct when there are more than 1 representative for
each multimember constituency. Personally I think this is advantageous, as
it keeps all representatives on their toes, plus the constituent is able to
contact a rep from their own political persuasion

Douglas