Regional list system

Regional list system

1. What is it?

   • Used: British elections to the European Parliament (excluding Northern Ireland); many European countries including Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Spain and Finland
   • The list system involves multi-member constituencies. Instead of voting for a named candidate on the ballot paper, voters receive a ballot paper with the names of the political parties on it. Seats are allocated to each party according to the proportion of votes won (a quota is calculated-called D'Hondt). The number of seats allocated to each party is then filled by the candidates from the party's list, starting with the candidate at the top of the list. The system is closed because voters are not able to express a preference for a particular candidate
   • According to D Outhwaite: 'the idea of the regional party list is that the action is divided into regions and the party in that region is responsible for drawing up a list of candidates'

2. Advantages

   • There is a strong connection votes won and the seats obtained
   • It is fairer to smaller parties because the constituencies are much bigger
   • Closed lists are a good way of getting more candidates from ethnic minorities and women into Parliament
   • Every vote counts, no alienation for those that don't usually get their voice heard

3. Disadvantages

   • There is no clear link between an MP and his/her constituency
   • Closed lists deny the voters a choice of candidates
   • With closed lists, parties can stifle independent and minority voices within the party because the power over who gets the seats rests with the party machine
   • Voters cannot choose between candidates from the same party

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