Electoral Systems in the Caribbean

Electoral Systems in the Caribbean

• The Caribbean utilizes the simple majority first-past-the-post system.
• Guyana, along with some other South American nations, employs the proportional representation system.

First-Past-the-Post System

• Countries are divided into constituencies, which are geographic areas with voters.
• Each party nominates a candidate for each constituency.
• The candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins and becomes the representative in the lower house of parliament.
• St. Kitts and Nevis is an example of a country using this system.

Proportional Representation System

• The entire country is considered a single constituency.
• Parties present a list of candidates based on the number of parliamentary seats.
• The list is ordered by party preference with the leader at the top.
• Voters choose a party, not a specific candidate.
• Parliamentary seats are awarded proportionally to the votes received.
• For instance, a party securing 20% of the votes receives 20% of the parliamentary seats.
• Guyana is an example of a country using this system.

Advantages of First-Past-the-Post System

• Guarantees the candidate with the most votes wins the election.
• Promotes individual parliamentary accountability to their constituents.
• Enables constituencies to select their representatives.
• Allows constituents to directly appeal to their representative for services.

Disadvantages of First-Past-the-Post System

• Constituencies with opposition representatives might be neglected or discriminated against by the government.
• Susceptible to gerrymandering (manipulating electoral boundaries for partisan gain).
• Independent candidates struggle to gain significant votes.

Advantages of Proportional Representation System

• Provides representation for minority political parties.
• Eliminates gerrymandering.
• Each party receives parliamentary seats based on the number of votes.