Journal of Electoral Studies

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Home Issues Backissues Volume 31, No.1 "Single-Member Districts" and "Two Votes System": A Study in Comparative Parliamentary Elections of Germany, Japan, and Russia

"Single-Member Districts" and "Two Votes System": A Study in Comparative Parliamentary Elections of Germany, Japan, and Russia

Tung-yeh Wu
1996 / 05
Volume 3, No.1

pp.69-102
Paper

Abstract

One of the important principles to political democracy is to hold free election on regular basis. And the process shaIl also live up to the principle of faimess, justice, and openness. In Germany, Japan, and Russia, although each voter casts vote twice-one for a specific candidate to represent the local district and one for a party, the different electoral formula and the average district magnitude will cause different kinds of nationwide outcome. Even though half (or 2/3) of members are elected by single-member, single-plurality constituencies in Japan or Russia their entire systems are not the proportional representation of the Federal Republic of Germany. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different practices and the impacts of "single-member districs" and "two votes system" in Germany, Japan, and Russia. The empirical study will also deal with gen-eral patterns and trends in the ROC's electoral reform.

Keywords

Effect of disproportion

Single member districts

Compensatory two-vote system

Dual candidacy

Split vote

Separated two-vote system

First loser margin

Overhanging mandate