single-member system

   Also known as simple plurality system or first past the post (FPTP). An electoral system in which the candidate who gets the most votes in a single-member constituency is declared the winner, regardless of whether he or she had an absolute majority. The system is used in Westminster elections and also in Canada, India and the United States. Supporters associate FPTP with effective single-party government and like the link it provides between a Member of Parliament (MP) and their constituents. Critics point out that under FPTP the outcome is distorted,thewinningpartyenjoyinganexaggeratedvictory at the expense of third and small parties who are under-represented. NoBritish Government since 1945 has everwona majority of the votes and many MPs are minority members, who were wanted by fewer people than did not want them. The debate over electoral reform was highlighted by the 2005 election in which Labour gained a comfortable majority on the basis of only 35.2 per cent of the popular vote.

   Further reading: D. Farrell, Electoral Systems: A Comparative Introduction, Palgrave, 2001