electoral systems

[Dewy2x]

Im writing a paper and need some help. A mixed member majoritarian system favours a compensation seat system that increases the number of seats in the House of Commons by 10 % according to population until seat proportions match vote proportions for each province. How does this make regionalism in Canada worse?

Any response would be appreciated..thanks

[geoffrey]

This isn't for a poli sci class at u of c is it? Because I'm writing the same paper...

I personally think that the mixed member majoritarian does favour regionalist parties, but I'll let you answer if your in my class before I take that thought any further.

[August1991]

Interesting question. There is mixed member plurality (as in Germany) and mixed member majoritarian (as in Russia).

Applied to Canada, in MMP, ridings would first elect MPs (as now) and then seats would be topped up using provincial party lists according to the popular vote in the province. In MMM, ridings would first elect MPs (as now) and then separately, the provincial popular vote would assign MPs by party list.

The argument goes that in MMM, parties want popular local candidates who attract lots of votes. These popular local candidates would then become regional mouthpieces. (I have never seen evidence of this in Russia.)

IME, people elected by party list are party insiders.

The question is misplaced. The electoral system does not determine "regionalism" in a country. Ideally, a central parliament should allow regions to broker efficiently their deals. That should be the criteria of election method.

Incidentally, Canada's constitution fixes minimum numbers of Commons seats for provinces. Changing seat numbers may require a Constitutional amendment and could get messy.