An electoral system is a body of rules that lays out how an election is to be conducted. Different voting systems have a range of different features and impacts, including how proportional they are, the type of link between MPs and their constituencies and the extent to which they create effective government and fair representation.
Electoral systems play a key role in defining the performance of political parties and their ability to win or share power. As a result, it is clear that the desires of the different parties in relation to electoral systems are often driven by which system will bring the party the greatest advantage. Underneath this debate lies a deeper and more crucial question for UK democracy about whether we want fair representation or effective government.
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