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Mixed-Member Proportionality

A deep dive into the electoral system that balances local representation with overall proportionality.

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Core Concept

Defining MMP

Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) representation is a category of mixed electoral systems designed to achieve overall proportional representation. It achieves this by combining local, winner-take-all elections with a compensatory tier utilizing party lists. While the goal is proportionality, variations in implementation can lead to semi-proportional outcomes.

Balancing Representation

MMP systems typically grant voters two votes: one for a constituency representative (often using First-Past-The-Post) and another for a political party. The party list seats are then allocated to compensate for any disproportionality arising from the constituency results, ensuring that a party's seat share closely mirrors its share of the party vote.

Distinction from Majoritarian Systems

Unlike Mixed-Member Majoritarian (MMM) systems, which often use parallel voting (where the two vote types operate independently), MMP's compensatory mechanism ensures that the total number of seats allocated aims for overall proportionality. Even if one party wins more constituency seats than its vote share warrants, the system seeks to balance this across all seats.

Alternative Designations

German Origins

The foundational MMP system originated in Germany, where it is known as "personalized proportional representation" (personalisiertes Verhältniswahlrecht). This system emphasizes the link between constituents and their representatives while maintaining overall party proportionality.

New Zealand's MMP

New Zealand adopted a modified MMP system following extensive electoral reform. It is a prominent example of how MMP can be implemented, though specific rules regarding overhang seats and compensation can vary.

Additional Member System (AMS)

In the United Kingdom, particularly for devolved assemblies like the Scottish Parliament, a similar system is termed the "Additional Member System" (AMS). While sharing MMP principles, AMS can sometimes result in less proportionality compared to other MMP variants.

Canadian Variations

In Canada, MMP models have been studied and proposed, sometimes referred to as "compensatory mixed-member" systems, reflecting the core compensatory principle.

Operational Mechanics

The Dual-Vote System

Most MMP systems employ a two-vote system. The first vote selects a local candidate in a single-member constituency, typically using a plurality (First-Past-The-Post) method. The second vote is cast for a political party, determining the overall proportional allocation of seats.

This separation allows voters to support a local candidate from one party while endorsing another party's platform with their second vote, a phenomenon known as "split-ticket voting." The effectiveness of this system relies on the compensatory allocation of list seats.

List Allocation and Compensation

Following the constituency elections, party list seats are allocated. The goal is to ensure that each party's total number of seats (constituency + list) reflects its share of the second (party) vote. Apportionment methods like D'Hondt or Sainte-Laguë are commonly used for this calculation.

Apportionment methods determine how the available list seats are distributed among parties based on their vote totals. The number of constituency seats already won by a party is subtracted from its proportional entitlement, with the remaining seats filled from party lists.

Single-Vote Variants

Some MMP systems utilize a single vote, where the vote for a constituency candidate also counts as the party vote. This approach simplifies the ballot and can reduce opportunities for tactical manipulation, though it may offer less voter choice.

Comparative Analysis

System Differences

The following table illustrates how different electoral system designs, particularly variations of mixed systems, impact proportionality and seat allocation. MMP systems, especially those with leveling seats, generally achieve higher proportionality.

Compensatory mixed systems Broadly mixed-member proportional type of system (MMP)
single vote systems (MSV) dual vote systems Additional member system (AMS) Overhang seats re-added True MMP (with leveling seats)
Seat linkage Mixed single vote, top-up versions
  • single vote MMP (Lesotho)
Mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) Additional member system (AMS) Mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) True MMP (with leveling seats)
Alternative vote plus (AV+) Hybrids: e.g. parallel voting+AMS (South Korea) New Zealand, Germany (until 2009) Germany (2013, 2017)
Vote linkage Mixed single vote (PVT/MSV)
  • Hungarian (local elections)
Hybrids:
  • Parallel voting+PVT (Hungary)
  • Negative vote transfer/scorporo (Italy, 1993–2005)
Others systems:
Dual-member proportional (DMP) Mixed ballot transferable vote (MBTV)
Party Popular vote (%) Constituencies won Seats Share (%) Seats Share (%) Seats Share (%) Seats Share (%)
Party A 43% 54 67 (54+13) 67% 54 (54+0) 54% 54 (54+0+0) 48% 71 (54+0+17) 43%
Party B 41% 11 24 (11+13) 24% 34 (11+23) 34% 41 (11+23+7) 36% 68 (11+23+34) 41%
Party C 13% 0 3 (0+3) 3% 7 (0+7) 7% 13 (0+7+6) 12% 21 (0+7+14) 13%
Party D 3% 5 5 (5+0) 5% 5 (5+0) 5% 5 (5+0+0) 4% 5 (5+0+0) 3%
TOTAL 100% 70 100 (70+30) 100% 100 (70+30) 100% 113 (70+30+13) 100% 165 (70+30+65) 100%
Index of disproportionality

(Gallagher)

22.01 (disproportional) 10.25 (moderately disproportional) 4.97 (considered proportional) 0.25 (highly proportional)
Method used Independent PR tier Fixed number of compensatory seats Number of (extra) leveling seats =

number of overhang seats

As many leveling seats as needed
This type of system used in Russia, among others Scotland, among others New Zealand, Germany (until 2009) Germany (2013, 2017)

Managing Overhang Seats

The Overhang Dilemma

Overhang seats occur when a party wins more constituency seats than its proportional vote share would entitle it to. These surplus seats can reduce the overall proportionality of the system.

In most MMP systems, parties are allowed to keep these overhang seats. However, this can lead to situations where a party's seat share does not accurately reflect its vote share, potentially requiring compensatory measures.

Leveling Seats

To counteract the disproportionality caused by overhang seats, many MMP systems introduce "leveling seats" (or "compensatory seats"). These additional seats are allocated to other parties to restore overall proportionality.

The number of leveling seats added ensures that the final seat distribution accurately reflects the party vote percentages, even if some parties have won more constituency seats than their vote share would normally allow. Germany's system, for example, has evolved to incorporate leveling seats to maintain high proportionality.

Avoiding Overhangs

Some systems aim to prevent overhang seats altogether. For instance, recent German electoral law modifications (as of 2023) may prevent constituency winners from taking their seats if their party has already achieved its proportional allocation. Romania's system previously prevented overhangs by requiring candidates to win an absolute majority in their district to secure a direct mandate.

Electoral Thresholds

Purpose of Thresholds

Similar to other proportional representation systems, MMP often includes an electoral threshold. This is a minimum percentage of the party vote a party must achieve to be eligible for list seats. Thresholds aim to prevent excessive fragmentation of the legislature by discouraging very small parties.

Impact on Strategy

Thresholds can influence voter behavior, potentially encouraging tactical voting. Voters might support a minor party predicted to poll near the threshold to maximize their preferred political camp's representation, fearing their vote might be wasted if the party falls short.

Thresholds in Practice

Examples include Germany's 5% threshold (or winning three constituency seats) and New Zealand's 5% threshold (or winning a constituency seat). Scotland, however, has no formal threshold, relying instead on the "district magnitude" (number of seats per electoral region) to impose an effective threshold.

Strategic Maneuvers

Decoy Lists

A significant challenge in MMP systems, particularly those with dual votes, is the potential for "decoy lists." Parties may create subsidiary or allied parties (decoy lists) to contest list seats, aiming to capture more seats than they would under a direct party vote, thereby distorting proportionality.

This tactic was notably observed in Albania, Lesotho, South Korea, and Venezuela. It effectively turns the compensatory mechanism into a parallel system if widely adopted, undermining the core principle of MMP.

Vote Linkage

To mitigate issues like decoy lists and tactical voting, systems can employ "vote linkage." This ensures that the constituency and party votes are more closely tied, reducing the incentive or ability for parties to manipulate the system through separate list strategies.

Solutions Explored

Potential solutions include abolishing the dual-vote system in favor of a mixed single-vote approach, or modifying the seat linkage mechanism. Adjusting the number of compensatory seats or eliminating the constituency seat advantage for parties below the threshold are also considered measures.

Global Implementation

Current MMP Users

Several countries currently utilize MMP or closely related systems. These implementations vary in their specific rules regarding vote types, compensation mechanisms, and thresholds.

  • Bolivia: Uses a two-vote system with a double simultaneous vote, achieving relatively proportional results.
  • Germany: Utilizes MMP at the federal level and in most state parliaments, with variations in list types (closed vs. open) and compensation rules.
  • Lesotho: Transitioned from a two-vote to a single-vote system to curb tactical manipulation.
  • New Zealand: A prominent example, adopted after extensive reform, with a two-vote system and a review mechanism.
  • United Kingdom: Employs the Additional Member System (AMS) in Scotland and London, a variant of MMP.

Historical and Proposed Use

MMP has been proposed or used historically in various other countries, though often with modifications or issues related to proportionality.

  • Albania (formerly): Used a two-vote system manipulated by decoy lists.
  • Canada: MMP proposed by the Law Commission; debated in several provinces (PEI, Ontario, BC, Quebec) but not widely adopted.
  • Hungary (formerly): Used a mixed majoritarian system, sometimes inaccurately referred to as MMP.
  • Romania (formerly): Employed a single-vote system that failed to achieve MMP.
  • South Korea (formerly): Used a hybrid system with compensatory seats, but decoy lists limited proportionality.
  • Thailand (formerly): Utilized a single-vote seat linkage system.
  • Venezuela (formerly): Introduced MMP but reverted to parallel voting due to system gaming.
  • Costa Rica, Hungary, South Africa, Sri Lanka: Have seen proposals or debates regarding MMP adoption or reform.

Related Concepts

Electoral Mechanics

Explore related electoral systems and concepts that influence representation and proportionality.

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References

References

  1.  Mayorga 1997; Mayorga 2001, p. 194.
  2.  Gallagher 2011, p. 185; Gallagher 2014, p. 18.
  3.  Stuart Stevens' ... Past Clients| Penn Bullock| 29 October 2012| tnr.com| accessed 29.10.2012
A full list of references for this article are available at the Mixed-member proportional representation Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This content was generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data from Wikipedia and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Mixed-Member Proportional Representation.

This is not political or legal advice. The information presented should not substitute consultation with electoral system experts, political scientists, or legal professionals. Electoral laws and their implementation can be complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions. Always refer to official sources and expert analysis for specific applications.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein. Understanding electoral systems requires careful study of specific contexts and legal frameworks.