In the ongoing debate on constitution reform it has been suggested by many that the proposed runoff goes against proportional representation. But is this necessarily so? Consider, for example, the following approach:
1. The runoff system is adopted as proposed.
2. After the election the winning party appoints 15 senators as at present.
3. The losing parties appoint senators in such numbers, based on the respective percentages of the total number of votes they received in the first round of the election.
4. The President appoints a number of independent senators such that, when added to the number of senators allocated to the losing parties totals 15, the same number as appointed by the winning party.
An important consideration that arises is the basis on which the losing parties will appoint their senators. For illustrative purposes consider the following outcomes:
1. Four parties contest the election–A, B, C and D.
2. After the first round of the election, the percentage of votes received by each party is as follows: 37% for A, 41% for B, 16% for C, and 5% for D, with 1% for independent candidates.
3. After the second round of the election, party A wins.
Assume that the losing parties are allocated senate seats on the basis of one for every five per cent of the votes they received on the first round. Then party B would appoint eight senators, party C three, and party D one–a total 12. Thus the President would be required to appoint three senators.Alternatively, assume that seats are allocated on the basis of one for every ten per cent of votes received on the first round, then party B would appoint four senators, party C one, and party D none–a total of five. The President would then be required to appoint ten senators.
A third scenario is where seats are allocated on the basis one for every eight per cent of votes received. Here party B would appoint five senators, party C two, and party D none–a total of seven. The President would then be required to appoint eight senators.In determining the actual basis on which the losing parties should be allocated seats, it would be useful to examine the results of previous elections. Accordingly no final decision on this matter should be taken at this time.
Zaffar Ali,
via e-mail