Electoral Process

In most of the modern societies an electoral process is considered an important symbol of the democracy that represents the concept of freedom of choice and fairness. The UK coalition government is now facing the need to reform the process by choosing between FPTP system and AV. As the final decision can affect the whole society, it is necessary to carefully analyze advantages and disadvantages of both systems.

FPTP allows a candidate to win by the majority of the votes. It is a straightforward system that requires comparatively simplified procedures. In addition, it usually provides stable and strong one-party government. Also, elected party usually governs effectively and carries on the manifesto promises. Another advantage is a good-organized constituency link between MPs and their constituents. They can easily contact their MP to have support (Coxall et al. 2003, Jones and Norton 2010). Finally, FPTP tent to limit extremist parties like fascist, racist and other “hate” parties, for example British National Party.

However, there are several disadvantages that should be considered. The most important weakness and the major criticism of FPTP system is ‘wasted votes’ issue (Lowe et al. 2010, p.115). For instance, in 2005 the UK General Election 65% of overall votes was wasted (BBC news 2005). Each vote is significant as it affects final results. Moreover, wasted votes lead to depressed turnout. Less people are willing to vote as they think their votes are not counted or make no change because there is a constantly winning party called ‘Safe seat’. In the last election, for instance, many people wanted to vote for Liberal-Democrats party, ‘safe seats’ and wasted votes dissuaded them to do it (Lowe et al. 2010, Jones and Norton ...

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...h, the problem of wasted votes and disproportional allocation become more serious year by year (P. Whiteley 2010). The statistics show that turn out in UK is increasing from 2001 year coming to the level of 65.1%. In addition, elections require huge spending from the government and parties (UK political Info 2010a, 2010b, Jones and Norton 2010). As UK government is currently facing a need to cut the budget up to 40%, AV is not a useful method (Pollwatch 2010, J. Bingham 2010).

To sum up, AV system adoption is a quite controversial question. Although AV system is solving some problems of FPTP system and providing fairer conditions for candidates and electors, adoption of this system can be quite difficult for the UK Coalition Government in term of budget and time spent. In my opinion, it is better to remain current election system as careful analysis is required.