What is proportional representation?
The basic concept of proportional representation systems is to allocate seats in the legislature in a proportional relationship with the votes cast at the election. To achieve this requirement in New South Wales, a quota system is used. The simplest method of a quota is to divide the number of valid votes by the number of seats allocated. The principal advantage of proportional representation is to provide representation to those parties in proportion to their electoral support. The arguments against proportional representation are based on the consequences of the system in providing representation to smaller parties. The proliferation of minor parties in legislatures as a result of proportional representation systems can result in unstable government, and in minorparties being in a balance of power situation. The election of a number of parties with no one party having a majority in the legislature may result in unstable government and uncertainty as parties trade with each other to f
Israel’s electoral system is based on nation wide proportional representation. In other words, the number of seats that each party receives in the Knesset – Israel’s legislative body – is proportional to the number of votes it received. Unlike in the United States where voters elect an individual who represents a specific geographic area, Israelis vote for a specific party list which has no geographical base.
