A Negative Vote A Positive Result

Context:  It is time to redesign Indian electoral system and redefine democracy.

Principal Electoral Systems

• Proportional Representation (PR) system: divisions in an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body.
• If n% of the electorate support a particular political party/candidates, then roughly n% of seats will be won by that party/candidates.
• All votes contribute to the result and not just a plurality, or a bare majority. 
• It requires use of multiple-member voting districts (also called super-districts).
• The most widely used varieties of PR systems are 

• Party-List PR
• Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• Mixed-Member Proportional representation (MMP).

• First-Past-the-Post Electoral System (FPTP): voters cast their vote for a candidate of their choice, and the candidate who receives the most votes wins. 
• It is a plurality voting method and is primarily used in systems that use single-member electoral divisions. 
• It is used in about one-third of the world’s countries.

Proposed Negative Voting System

• A candidate will be elected based on the net number of votes cast in her/his favour.
• Voters will be expected to cast plus positive votes and/or minus (negative) votes.
• EVMs will compute the final result by calculating all the positive and negative votes cast in a candidate’s vote count.
• Possibility of election of candidates with zero or least negative votes to the Parliament.
• State assemblies, legislative councils, municipal corporations and councils, zila parishads and gram panchayats could also subscribe to this election methodology.

Benefits of Proposed Negative Voting System: It could address systemic flaws in Indian democracy and electoral system.

• Brings Inclusiveness: Electoral candidates will have to address needs and concerns of all sections of society, instead of the polarisation-based strategy currently being adopted.
• Promotes Level playing field: The malpractices during elections shall become ineffective and will lower the entry barriers for new entrants.
• Ensures a better quality lawmakers and improved policy making resulting in superior governance