Elections in 2024-25 and Electoral Systems

Through elections democracy becomes possible since citizens choose representatives who
develop policies. Multiple nations conducted crucial voting events during the period of 2024-
25 while their particular voting systems influenced the conversion process of ballots into
actual political presence. The voting behavior along with party systems and political
competition undergo large-scale changes based on the different electoral systems including
First-Past-the-Post (FPTP), Proportional Representation (PR), Mixed Systems and
Preferential Voting Systems.

1. First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)

In the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system one candidate achieves victory through the
highest number of votes obtained regardless of reaching an absolute majority threshold. The
main political parties benefit most from this system even though it produces distortion in
election outcomes.

Example 1: United States (FPTP)

FPTP voting establishes a two-party system which keeps Democratic and Republican
dominance strong while shutting out minor parties from parliamentary seats thus producing
political impasse and polarization across the country.

Many voters select the lesser of two evils at elections while showing disinterest in electoral
contests where one party consistently dominates.

Example 2: India (FPTP in a Parliamentary System)

The political system based on FPTP in India grants power to the BJP and Congress major
parties but limits the effectiveness of regional parties throughout national elections.

During elections voters mostly select large parties as a means of obstructing weak candidates
based on religious and caste backgrounds and regional affiliations.

2. Proportional Representation (PR)

Under Proportional Representation systems the number of legislative seats depends on voting
percentages received by parties in order to achieve diverse political representation and
usually leads to multiple party systems.
Example 1: South Africa (Party-List PR)

In South Africa the political system uses a closed-party list which distributes seats according
to electoral vote percentages. When minor parties get representation their members can join
coalition governments which may trigger political instability.

South African voters show preference toward political parties rather than single candidates
thus increasing voting participation due to how each vote impacts seat allocation.

Example 2: Norway (Party-List PR)

The political system of Norway consists of Proportional Representation (PR) with party-list
voting which distributes seats in the Storting based on voter support for each party. The
political system supports a diverse party environment by offering opportunities to minor
parties which results in coalition government formations.

Norwegian voters select their party allegiances and can show backing for minor parties
because vote waste does not concern them. The voting system allows diverse political
representation which increases election participation while making voters feel that their
preferences receive adequate representation from government.

3. Mixed Systems

Mixed Systems unite majoritarian local representation with proportional distribution to

Example 1: Germany (Mixed-Member Proportional - MMP)

Germany operates under MMP which combines First-Past-the-Post FPTP voting to fill half
the seats while Proportional Representation PR selects the remaining seats. The electoral
system results in both proportional and fair representation because parties seldom obtain
absolute majorities therefore the government resorts to coalition governance.

Electors send dual ballot choices to representatives and party representatives so they
frequently break their votes between local and party representatives.

Example 2: Japan (Parallel Voting - MMM)

Local representation exists alongside proportionality because Japan applies a hybrid political
system combining FPTP for half its seats and PR for the remaining half. A two-vote system
produces solid governments that typically follow the Liberal Democratic Party although
smaller parties manage to earn Parliamentary positions.
Voters practice split-ticket voting by casting support for both a constituency candidate and a
party which demonstrates their local and party loyalties.

4. Preferential Voting Systems

Voting systems with preferences let voters establish an order of their selected candidates. The
system distributes votes to second-choice candidates whenever winners require a majority
vote and reallocation takes place until a candidate reaches this threshold. Therefore it ensures
wide-ranging voter backing.

Example 1: Ireland (Single Transferable Vote - STV)

The political structure of Ireland under STV enables multiple representatives per constituency
thus allowing diverse candidates to win elections and producing coalition governments as a
result.

The voting behavior impact stems from voter ability to rank candidates because this
flexibility fosters diverse candidate participation which leads to increased voter engagement.

Comparison of Electoral Systems

Electoral systems differ between countries because this creates specific methods for
governing representation of political parties while affecting voter behavior. First-Past-the-
Post (FPTP) voting systems that operate in India and the United States produce two-party
dominance and cause voters to make calculated choices which eliminates smaller parties from
recognition. The election approach known as Proportional Representation (PR) maintains
representation of minor parties through coalition governments while improving voter
participation though it occasionally causes political instability in countries such as South
Africa and Norway. These countries maintain dual system politics that combine local
territorial seats with proportional representation which generates politically diverse situations
that require governmental alliances. Under Preferential Voting Systems which Australia and
Ireland employ people can select ranking options for candidates to expand inclusivity while
producing intricate voting conduct. Each electoral system independently contributes to
shaping the manner in which politics functions as well as the level of voter contact with the
parties involved through customized strategies.

Conclusion

Unique dynamics in the political field together with voting behavior emerge from different
electoral systems structures. Under FPTP parties gain strong control which reduces minority
parties' visibility yet PR results in various parties and collaborative administrations. Electoral
systems that use mixed approaches try to unify representation strength with proportional
systems while preferential voting helps such systems secure extensive public backings. etable
systems help us better interpret how representation functions in democracy as well as how it
alters political results while influencing voter interests.