The Single-Member Plurality and Mixed-Member Proportional Electoral Systems: Different Concepts of an Election

Abstract

The thesis is an analysis of the different concepts of an election reflected in the single-member plurality (SMP) electoral system and the mixed-member proportional (MMP) electoral system. These different concepts reflect the views held by proponents of the respective electoral systems about what an election is to accomplish and what an electoral system is to provide. Attention is paid to whether the concept of an election recognizes the "new reality" that is introduced. Such intentions embedded in the concept contribute to whether the respective electoral system successfully achieves the most important criteria which will be emphasized for measuring a "good" electoral system. It is argued in the thesis that, as a result of its wider and more modern concept of an election - to be explained - which focuses more on aggregate vote totals, the mixed­member proportional system better achieves the criteria which underpin a "good" electoral system.