Similar to many other countries today, Canada practices a form of representative democracy. But unlike the majority of other democratic states, Canada uses a multi party, single member plurality electoral system in order to elect government officials. This is sometimes referred to as a first past the post (FPTP from hereinafter), winner takes all system because of the way it operates. The candidate who receives the largest number of votes in his or her respected constituency wins a seat in parliament, and earns the right to represent his or her riding in government. In a plurality system, voters more so vote for the individual rather then the political party of their choice. Although many have criticized the way in which democratic institutions function in Canada. Most notably is the need for a reform of the current electoral system, and the possible movement towards proportionality and proportional representation. Proportional representation is an electoral system in which political parties are awarded seats and are represented in parliament based on the percentage of the popular vote they achieve as a party in whole. The country would be divided into districts where candidates from each party would be published on an open or closed list. It is then the publics job to vote specifically on a party list rather then an individual them self. A system of proportional representation will benefit Canada by ensuring a more diverse, proportional representation, increasing voter participation and legitimizing the election campaigns of parties.
Canada’s shift from FPTP elections to a system of proportionality will result in a more diverse, proportional government. The deformed democratic procedures of Canada ...