Election systems and electoral reform

Abstract

Elections play an important and complex role in most political systems. Even undemocratic societies hold elections in order to legitimise the existing political order. In democratic societies elections help resolve political conflict in a non-violent way, for even the losers may accept that their defeat was fair. Because elections are held regularly there is always the chance that the losers will do better next time, especially if the winners do poorly in government. In this way, elections help hold government accountable to the people. Generally, elections offer people a choice in who is to represent them, which then gives the winning candidates a mandate to govern. But the way in which the people’s votes are translated into winning seats — the electoral system — influences who will win and who will lose. This chapter examines electoral behaviour as well as electoral systems used in Britain. There is much debate in Britain about the need for further electoral reform regarding general and local elections.