Party List

Definition

A party list is an electoral system used to allocate seats in a legislature based on the percentage of votes received by each political party. This method allows voters to select a party rather than individual candidates, leading to proportional representation in parliament. The party then fills its allocated seats from a pre-determined list of candidates, which can help ensure that minority parties gain representation alongside larger parties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The party list system is commonly used in various countries around the world, including many European nations, to promote proportional representation.
2. In a party list election, if a party receives 30% of the vote, it would typically receive approximately 30% of the seats in the legislature.
3. There are different variations of the party list system, such as closed and open lists, which impact how candidates are elected and how much control voters have.
4. Party list systems can lead to multi-party parliaments, which may foster coalition governments due to the presence of smaller parties gaining representation.
5. The use of a party list system can increase voter turnout by encouraging individuals to vote for parties that align with their views, rather than focusing solely on individual candidates.

Review Questions

• How does the party list system promote proportional representation in elections?
  • The party list system promotes proportional representation by allocating legislative seats based on the percentage of votes each political party receives. This approach contrasts with winner-takes-all systems, where only candidates with the most votes secure a seat. By allowing parties to fill their allotted seats from a ranked list of candidates, smaller parties can gain representation in the legislature, ensuring that a wider range of political views is reflected in governance.
• Compare and contrast closed and open list systems within the context of party lists and their impact on voter agency.
  • In a closed list system, voters choose a party but cannot influence the order or selection of candidates, meaning that parties have full control over who gets elected. Conversely, in an open list system, voters can express preferences for specific candidates within a party's list, which can alter who is ultimately elected based on individual popularity. This difference affects voter agency significantly; open lists empower voters to have a say in candidate selection, while closed lists prioritize party leadership decisions.
• Evaluate the implications of using a party list electoral system on political stability and governance in multi-party democracies.
  • The adoption of a party list electoral system in multi-party democracies can enhance political stability by fostering inclusivity and encouraging coalition-building among various parties. While this can lead to more representative governance and allow minority voices to be heard, it may also complicate decision-making processes due to the need for negotiations among multiple parties. Consequently, while party lists can diversify political representation, they might also create challenges related to forming stable governments, especially if no single party achieves an outright majority.

Related terms

Proportional Representation: An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive, often leading to a more accurate reflection of the electorate's preferences.

Closed List: A type of party list system where voters cannot influence the order of candidates on the party's list; the party determines the order and allocation of seats.

Open List: A variation of the party list system that allows voters to express preferences for individual candidates within a party, potentially affecting which candidates are elected from the list.