Cost and Administration Implications In advocating for electoral reform, Parliament has to consider the implications that these reforms will have on the fiscus. Socio-Political Context Every country is unique and at the same time at different levels of political development. Therefore cultural consideration has to be taken into account when conducting electoral reforms since all reforms should be viewed in terms of their positive impact on democratic development. Electoral Systems There are 3 major electoral systems used in the world, which include: proportional representation, plurality/majority systems and mixed systems. These systems have an impact on the election results. The systems are drawn from conventions and historical experiences. However, whatever system is used, Parliament should ensure that this promotes equality and basic human rights. International and Regional Standards The electoral reforms or systems that we have in today’s world are based on a number of international covenants, treaties and other kinds of legal instruments affecting political processes. It also has to be appreciated that there is no single complete set of universally agreed international standards for elections. However, there is consensus that electoral reform should include the principles of free, fair and periodic elections that guarantee universal adult suffrage, the secrecy of the ballot and freedom from 4

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