The Electoral System

Research Paper # 46027

Canadian Studies > Government and Government Policy
Political Science > Non-U.S.

A look at the weakness of the current electoral system in Canada and its better alternative.

3,098 words () | 11 sources | MLA | 2003 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the current Canadian electoral system and explains single member plurality, disproportionality and proportional representation. The paper argues that disproportionality is the most problematic aspect of the Canadian electoral system since it causes the distorted representation and the regional polarization of federal political parties which both can be cured by the merits of proportional representation. It examines how in spite of its overall superiority over the current electoral system, proportional representation has a problem of lack of accountability for specific regional concerns. It looks at how a hybrid electoral system like the one in Germany would be the ideal solution for the current situation.

From the Paper:

"Since 1967, Canada's federal and provincial elections have been performed under the single-member plurality system, also called as first-past-the post. The way this system works is simple: eligible voters select one from a list of competing candidates, and the candidate receiving more votes than any other is the winner. This simplest form of electoral system is, according to Johnston, common only to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few formerly British territories (341). If there are only two candidates competing, the winner will easily win with a majority of votes. But as the number of candidates rise, which is more common case, the winner will be less likely to get the support of the majority of voters."