proportional representation

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proportional representation (PR) System of electoral representation in which the allocation of seats reflects the proportion of the vote commanded by each candidate or party. In the single transferable vote system, an elector ranks candidates in order of preference. In the list system, an elector votes for a party's entire list of candidates; the number of seats allocated to a party is determined by the number of votes for its list. The main contrast is with a majoritarian system in which representatives are elected for each of numerous single constituencies. Supporters of PR argue that it delivers more representative democracy. Critics contend that it tends to produce coalition governments, and destroys the bond between representatives and constituents. In the UK, PR was first used in elections to the devolved Scottish Assembly and the European Parliament (EP) in 1999.

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