Q. With reference to the method of Proportional Representation for elections, consider the following statements:
1. The system of Territorial Representation represents the electorate more effectively as compared to Proportional Representation system.
2. The List System of Proportional Representation is adopted for the election of the Rajya Sabha members.
3. This system does not give any scope for organizing by-elections.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Under territorial representation, every member of the legislature represents a geographical area known as a constituency. In this system, a candidate who secures majority of votes is declared elected. This simple majority system of representation does not represent the whole electorate. 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.
Statement 2 is incorrect: There are two kinds of proportional representation, namely, single transferable vote system and list system. In India, the single transferable vote system is adopted for the election of members to the Rajya Sabha and state legislative council and for electing the President and the Vice-President.
Statement 3 is correct: The system of proportional representation has the following demerits:
- It is highly expensive.
- It does not give any scope for organising by-elections.
- It eliminates intimate contacts between voters and representatives.
- It promotes minority thinking and group interests.
- It increases the significance of party system and decreases that of voter.
| Important Tips • Single transferable vote is an electoral system in which seats are allocated to candidates in order to achieve proportional representation, and where each candidate is ranked in order of preference by voters. As the votecount develops and candidates are either elected or eliminated, it is transferred to other candidates in line with the voter’s preferences. • In the list system, electors vote for one of several lists of candidates, usually prepared by the political parties. Each party is granted seats in proportion to the number of popular votes it receives. |
