Q. Consider the following statements regarding the voting method ‘First-Pastthe-Post system’ used in elections:
1. This system aims at removing the defects of territorial representation.
2. The First-Past-the-Post system presents the difficulty for the voters to understand the process of voting.
3. India has adopted this system for the election of members to the Lok Sabha and members of Legislative Assembly in states.
How many statements given above are incorrect??
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The first-past-the-post (FPTP) system is also known as the simple majority system. In this voting method, the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner. This simple majority system of representation does not represent the whole electorate. In other words, it does not secure due representation to minorities (small groups).
The system of proportional representation aims at removing the defects of territorial representation. Under this system, all sections of the people get representation in proportion to their number. Even the smallest section of the population gets its due share of representation in the legislature.
Statement 2 is incorrect: System of proportional representation (not first-past-the-post (FPTP) system) presents the difficulty for the voters to understand the process of voting. First-past-the-post (FPTP) system is a simplest way for the voters to select the representatives through making a single choice among various candidates.
Statement 3 is correct: Constitution has adopted the system of proportional representation in the case of Rajya Sabha. It has not preferred the same system in the case of Lok Sabha. Instead, it has adopted the system of territorial representation (First past-the-post system) for the election of members to the Lok Sabha and members of Legislative Assembly in states.
