Why the Proportional Representation System Fails to Promote Minority Interests?

Minna Thaheer

doi:10.22146/pcd.25722

Abstract

Proportional representation (PR) is favoured as the most suitable form of electoral system for multi-ethnic societes because it allows every vote to be counted. It, therefore, provides a strong incentive for minority parties and other political groups to promote their political articulations. This article examines the PR system in contemporary Sri Lankan politics. It argues that the executive presidential system has negated the efficacy of the PR system in promoting minority parties and has had disastrous consequences in their political fortunes. The PR system has enabled Muslim communities to elect Muslim representatives from their own province. Spesifically, this article emphasizes the dynamics of the political fortunes of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), which seeks to give a voice to the minority Muslim communities concentrated in the Eastern Province.

Highlights

In a first-past-the-post (FPP) ballot, the first candidate to gain the highest amount of votes are elected
This was a result of the proportional representation (PR) system, in which parties such as Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) obtained a number of seats that would tilt the balance of power
The fragmentation of the SLMC into about three different political groupings occurred as a result of incentives in the forms of political office and other benefits offered by the major political parties and executive presidency

Summary

Introduction

In a first-past-the-post (FPP) ballot, the first candidate to gain the highest amount of votes are elected. This electoral system has been deemed controversial in countries with pluralist societies in terms of ethnicity, religion, or language. Through the FPP system, in which a specific constituency elects its representative, the will of the majority can prevail in electing their representative on the basis of the above factors. The proportional representation (PR) systems have a low cut-off point – for example, five per cent in Sri Lanka. That can allow for a small minority to gain representation due to the larger number of representatives allocated to a particular district.

Why the Propotional Representation System Fails to Promote Minority Interests?

President Chandrika Bandaraniake

Rishard Badurdeen

Findings

Conclusion