Module 4.2 - Bases of Representation

4.2 BASES OD REPRESENTATION 4.2.1 TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATION – SINGLE MEMBAR CONSTITUENCY AND MULTI MEMBER CONSTITUENCY 1. Single-Member Constituency: In a single-member constituency, the territory or electoral district is divided into multiple smaller units, each represented by a single elected representative. Voters in each unit cast their vote for only one candidate, and the candidate who receives the most votes becomes the representative for that particular constituency. Advantages: Clear Representation: Single-member constituencies provide a direct and clear link between constituents and their representative. Each area has a specific representative responsible for addressing local concerns and advocating for their interests.  Local Accountability: Elected representatives in single-member constituencies are accountable to their specific area and its residents. This system allows constituents to hold their representative directly responsible for their actions and decisions.  Simplicity: Single-member constituencies are relatively straightforward for voters to understand, as they only need to choose one candidate from their specific area . 2. Multi-Member Constituency: In a multi-member constituency, the territory or electoral district is combined into larger units, and each unit elects multiple representatives. Voters in the constituency have multiple votes, typically equal to the number of representatives to be elected. They can distribute their votes among different candidates or choose to cast all votes for a single candidate.  Advantages:    Proportional Representation: Multi-member constituencies can be designed to achieve more proportional representation, meaning that the overall composition of elected representatives reflects the distribution of votes across the constituency. This can be beneficial in ensuring a fair representation of diverse political opinions and preventing the exclusion of minority views. Greater Choice: Voters in multi-member constituencies have a wider range of candidates to choose from, as there are multiple seats to be filled. This allows for a more diverse representation and provides voters with greater options. Collaboration and Consensus-Building: Multi-member constituencies encourage collaboration among elected representatives, as they are required to work together to address the concerns of the larger constituency. This system promotes dialogue, compromise, and consensus-building among representatives. Both single-member constituencies and multi-member constituencies have their own advantages and considerations, and the choice between them often depends on factors such as the size of the electorate, geographical considerations, and the desired balance between local and proportional representation in a particular political system. 4.2.2 FUNCTIONAL REPRESENTATION AND ITS DIFFICULTIES Instead of representing geographical areas like in territorial representation, functional representation focuses on representing specific professions, industries, or social groups. However, functional representation can face certain difficulties: 1. Exclusivity: Functional representation may prioritize the interests of specific groups over the broader population. This exclusivity can result in the underrepresentation of marginalized or minority groups who may not have well-organized functional associations or the resources to effectively participate. 2. Lack of Democratic Mandate: In functional representation, representatives may not have a direct democratic mandate from the entire population. Instead, they are often chosen by their respective interest groups, which can raise questions about the legitimacy of their decision-making authority. 3. Limited Scope: Functional representation tends to focus on specific sectors or interest groups, potentially overlooking the broader societal concerns that impact the general population. This can lead to a fragmented representation of interests and challenges in addressing the needs of society as a whole. 4. Potential for Capture: Functional representation runs the risk of interest groups influencing decision-making processes disproportionately. If certain interest groups have more resources or influence, they may have a greater say in policy formulation, potentially leading to a lack of balanced representation. 5. Coordination Challenges: Coordinating the diverse interests and perspectives within functional representation can be challenging. It may be difficult to find common ground and reach consensus among representatives of different interest groups, potentially impeding effective decision-making. 6. Underrepresentation of Certain Groups: Functional representation may inadvertently lead to the underrepresentation of historically marginalized or disadvantaged groups. If certain social groups do not have strong functional associations or their interests are not adequately represented, their voices and concerns may not receive adequate attention. Balancing the advantages of functional representation, such as specialized expertise and direct representation of specific interests, with the difficulties it poses is an ongoing challenge. Striking a balance between functional representation and other forms of representation, such as territorial representation, can help ensure a more inclusive and representative democratic system. 4.2.3 MINORITY REPRESENTATION 1. Inclusion and Diversity: Minority representation recognizes the importance of including individuals or communities from diverse backgrounds, such as ethnic, racial, religious, linguistic, or cultural minorities. It seeks to give them an equal opportunity to participate in politics and have their perspectives heard and considered. 2. Addressing Marginalization: Minority groups often face marginalization, discrimination, and limited access to political power. Minority representation aims to address these challenges by providing opportunities for meaningful participation, empowering marginalized communities, and reducing inequalities in political decisionmaking. 3. Enhancing Democracy: Minority representation strengthens democracy by ensuring that the voices and interests of all segments of society are taken into account. It fosters a more inclusive and representative political system, where policies and decisions reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the entire population. 4. Overcoming Barriers: Minority representation works to overcome barriers that hinder the political participation of minority groups. This includes addressing systemic obstacles such as discriminatory laws, voter suppression, lack of resources, limited access to education, language barriers, and social biases. 5. Positive Outcomes: Minority representation can lead to positive outcomes such as greater social cohesion, reduced inequalities, improved policies that address the specific needs of minority communities, and increased trust in democratic institutions. Efforts to promote minority representation include measures such as electoral reforms, reserved seats, affirmative action policies, diversity quotas, outreach and awareness campaigns, and inclusive political processes. These initiatives aim to ensure that minority communities have a fair and equitable opportunity to participate in politics, have their voices heard, and contribute to shaping the society they belong to. 4.2.4 PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION – HARE PLAN OR SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE AND THE LIST SYSTEM. 1. Hare Plan or Single Transferable Vote (STV): In the Hare Plan or Single Transferable Vote system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. The candidates need to reach a specific vote threshold (usually a quota) to be elected. If a candidate surpasses the quota, their surplus votes are transferred to other candidates based on voters' subsequent preferences until all the seats are filled. Advantages: Voter Choice: STV allows voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates, promoting individual choice and a more nuanced representation of their views.  Broad Representation: This system often results in a more diverse range of representatives, including those from smaller parties or minority groups, as it considers preferences beyond just the majority vote.  Eliminates Wasted Votes: STV ensures that votes for losing candidates are not wasted but instead transferred to other candidates based on voter preferences, increasing the overall impact of each vote. 2. List System: In the list system, political parties present a list of candidates for voters to choose from. Seats in the legislature are allocated proportionally to parties based on the total percentage of votes they receive. Candidates from each party are elected in the order specified on the party's list until all seats are filled.  List System: In the list system, political parties present a list of candidates for voters to choose from. Seats in the legislature are allocated proportionally to parties based on the total percentage of votes they receive. Candidates from each party are elected in the order specified on the party's list until all seats are filled. Advantages:   Simplicity: The list system is relatively simple for voters to understand, as they choose a party rather than ranking individual candidates. Party Representation: It provides a clear representation of the party's overall strength and support in the legislature, allowing parties to have a voice proportional to their electoral performance.  Stability: The list system generally leads to more stable and predictable outcomes, as the proportion of seats allocated to each party aligns closely with their share of the votes. Both the Hare Plan or Single Transferable Vote and the list system are used in different countries around the world to achieve proportional representation and ensure a more accurate reflection of voters' preferences. The choice between these methods depends on factors such as the political context, cultural considerations, and the desired balance between individual candidate choice and party representation. 4.2.5 THE SYSTEM OF PLURAL VOTING 1. Multiple Votes: Under plural voting, some individuals are given the right to cast multiple votes in an election. This can be based on factors such as wealth, property ownership, educational qualifications, or social status. 2. Unequal Representation: Plural voting leads to unequal representation because it gives certain individuals or groups a greater say in the electoral process compared to others. It can reinforce existing power imbalances and disproportionately amplify the influence of privileged or elite segments of society. 3. Limited Democratic Principles: Plural voting undermines the principle of "one person, one vote" that forms the basis of democratic elections. It goes against the notion of equal political rights and diminishes the democratic ideal of every individual's voice being valued equally. 4. Exclusion and Disenfranchisement: Plural voting can disenfranchise and exclude marginalized or less privileged individuals who do not meet the criteria for additional votes. It perpetuates social inequalities and can reinforce historical patterns of exclusion and discrimination. 5. Manipulation of Outcomes: Plural voting can be manipulated to serve specific interests or maintain the status quo. Those with multiple votes may strategically use their extra voting power to influence election results and protect their own advantages. It is important to note that plural voting is widely considered undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of equality and fairness in electoral systems. Modern democracies typically uphold the principle of "one person, one vote" to ensure equal political rights for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status, education, or other criteria.