ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK
Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses of Electoral Systems
Electoral
system
Proportional
Representati
on (PR)
Strengths
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Promotes Inclusivity – it allows
other
political
players,
minority groups and subgroups within society to be
represented in parliament. PR
was
actually
particularly
recommended for societies
coming of out of conflict.
It promotes power sharing (i.e.
consensual government).
It makes possible promotion
of gender representation
within parliament.
It avoids wastage of votes
because every vote counts.
It simplifies ballot papers.
It minimises by-elections – it is
a system that appoints
representatives and nonconstituencies.
It promotes majority rule in
the classical form.
Every
spectrum of the society is
represented in government.
Encourages high voter turn
out.
Prevents the growth of
regional fiefdoms.
Fair distribution of seats
Leads
to
democratic
consolidation and has positive
effects for nation building.
Weaknesses
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The possibility of dysfunctional
government due to inclusivity,
at the level of debate PR
increases unnecessary delay in
decision making within the
legislature.
Voters vote blindly. They do
not know who they vote for.
Principle of accountability is
not promoted.
Threshold/quota
system
criteria may keep other parties
out of parliament.
Proliferation of political parties,
which may lead to instability of
the political system.
PR complicates and delays the
release of election results.
Delivers a lot of power to the
party because party draws up
the list. Concentrates too much
power in the hands of the
leaders. Party takes precedence
over the MP.
Disallows floor crossing
Restricts freedoms of MPs
Recommendations for
further strengthening
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Strengthening of the
administrative system
to support electoral
system.
Need for a mechanism
that supports PR system
such
as
party
compelling
representatives
to
reside in communities,
and party allocating
representatives
to
reside in communities
and party allocating
representatives
to
constituencies.
Publicising
party
candidate list.
Promotion
of
civic
education.