Electoral Process Essay -- Politics, Democracy, British Government

In most of the modern societies an electoral process is considered an important symbolization of the democracy that represents the concept of freedom of choice and fairness. The UK coalition authorities is without delay facing the need to reform the process by choosing between FPTP establishment and AV. As the last(a) decision can affect the whole society, it is indispensable to elaboratedly analyze advantages and disadvantages of both ashess. FPTP allows a candidate to win by the majority of the votes. It is a straightforward system that requires comparatively simplified procedures. In addition, it unremarkably provides stable and strong one-company government. Also, elected party usually governs effectively and carries on the manifesto promises. An otherwise advantage is a good-organized constituency contact lens between MPs and their constituents. They can easily contact their MP to rush support (Coxall et al. 2003, Jones and Norton 2010). Finally, FPTP tent to limit ex tremist parties like fascist, racist and other hate parties, for example British National Party. However, there are several(prenominal) disadvantages that should be considered. The most important weakness and the major criticism of FPTP system is pointless votes issue (Lowe et al. 2010, p.115). For instance, in 2005 the UK General Election 65% of overall votes was wasted (BBC news 2005). Each vote is significant as it affects final results. Moreover, wasted votes lead to depressed turnout. Less people are volition to vote as they think their votes are non counted or contact no change because there is a constantly winning party called Safe seat. In the last election, for instance, many people cherished to vote for Liberal-Democrats party, safe seats and wasted votes dissuaded them to do it (Lowe et al. 2010, Jones and Norton ... ...h, the problem of wasted votes and disproportional allocation become more serious class by year (P. Whiteley 2010). The statistics show that turn out in UK is increasing from 2001 year coming to the level of 65.1%. In addition, elections require huge spending from the government and parties (UK political Info 2010a, 2010b, Jones and Norton 2010). As UK government is currently facing a need to cut the budget up to 40%, AV is not a useful method (Pollwatch 2010, J. Bingham 2010). To sum up, AV system credence is a quite controversial question. Although AV system is solving well-nigh problems of FPTP system and providing fairer conditions for candidates and electors, adoption of this system can be quite ticklish for the UK Coalition Government in term of budget and time spent. In my opinion, it is better to remain current election system as careful analysis is required.