Proportional representation (PR) system is a type of electoral system used in several countries across the world. The main aim of this system is to ensure that political parties are represented in the legislative body in proportion to the number of votes they received from the electorate. In this system, voters cast their votes for political parties rather than individual candidates.

How does it work?

Under the PR system, political parties are allocated seats based on the percentage of votes they receive. This is done by dividing the total number of votes cast in an election by the number of seats available in the legislative body. The resulting figure is known as the "quota".

Each political party is then allocated a number of seats that is proportional to the number of votes they received, rounded up or down depending on the remainder left after dividing the total number of votes by the quota. This ensures that smaller parties are not excluded from the legislative body and that the composition of the body reflects the diversity of the electorate.

Advantages of PR system

1. Proportional representation ensures that smaller parties are represented in the legislative body.

2. It promotes diversity and ensures that the views of a wide range of people are represented.

3. It reduces the likelihood of "wasted votes" cast for candidates who have no chance of winning.

4. It can increase the likelihood of coalition governments, which can lead to more stable and inclusive governments.

Disadvantages of PR system

1. It can result in weaker governments as coalition governments require more time to negotiate and compromise.

2. It can result in a lack of accountability as individual politicians are not directly elected by the electorate.

3. It can lead to increased voter apathy as voters may feel that their individual vote does not matter.

Conclusion

Overall, the PR system has both advantages and disadvantages. While it ensures that political parties are represented proportionally, it can lead to weaker governments and a lack of accountability. Ultimately, the choice of electoral system depends on the specific needs and goals of a particular country.