A Negative Vote A Positive Result

The Indian Express     3rd September 2020     Save    

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