Which of the following electoral systems is ideal for a heterogeneous society?
Answer Details
Proportional representation is the ideal electoral system for a heterogeneous society. In a heterogeneous society, there are often multiple ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups with diverse interests and opinions. Proportional representation allows for a more accurate representation of these diverse groups in government.
Under proportional representation, political parties are allocated seats in the legislative body based on the percentage of votes they receive. This means that smaller parties or minority groups have a better chance of winning representation in government, as their votes are not wasted if they don't win the majority in a particular constituency.
In contrast, a simple majority system, where the candidate with the most votes wins, can be problematic in a heterogeneous society. This system tends to favor the larger, more dominant groups, and can lead to a winner-takes-all mentality, which can be divisive.
A preferential ballot system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, can be useful in ensuring that a majority of voters support the winning candidate. However, it may not necessarily result in fair representation for all groups in a heterogeneous society.
Finally, a non-transferable vote system, where voters choose a single candidate and do not have the option to rank their preferences, can also be problematic in a heterogeneous society. It can lead to the exclusion of minority groups, as their votes are often scattered across multiple candidates and may not translate into representation.