The case for proportionality
Article Abstract:
Joel Barkans's challenge to the emerging proportional representation (PR) system and his support for single-member district (SMD) on the basis of the results of elections in Malawi and Zimbabwe do not find support in the established democracies in Southern Africa or Africa on the whole. PR is largely superior to SMD plurality when it comes to translating votes into seats. SMD plurality system cannot be depended on for distribution of parliamentary seats which indicates the popular vote. PR can help establish the link between representatives and constituents for a stronger democracy.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 1995
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Constitutional engineering in southern Africa
Article Abstract:
The transition to democracy in ethnically divided countries of southern Africa requires a system of promotional representation (PR) elections and a parliamentary form of government. The design of the electoral system is being viewed as a vital factor that can help to make the political shift easier and less chaotic. A PR system complemented with a parliamentary form of government is considered healthy for the protection of the interests of the minorities.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 1995
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Constitutional medicine
Article Abstract:
The methods that undergird the arts and sciences of medicine diagnosis and therapy could benefit the art or science of designing constitutions. Over the past few years constitutional design has made big intellectual strides but it still has more scope for improvement, especially with regard to ending the world's most stubborn dictatorships.
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 1045-5736
Year: 2005
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