**Ranked choice parliamentary systems** combine two concepts:
1. **Parliamentary system** — where the executive (usually a prime minister) is chosen from and accountable to the legislature (parliament), not directly elected by the public.
2. **Ranked choice voting** — where voters rank candidates or parties in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) instead of selecting just one.
### How Ranked Choice Works in Parliamentary Elections
There are several ways ranked choice can be implemented in parliamentary systems. The most common are:
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### **1. Single Transferable Vote (STV)**
**Used in:** Ireland, Malta, and some local elections in Australia.
* **Multi-member districts**: Voters elect several representatives per district.
* Voters **rank candidates** (not parties) in order of preference.
* A **quota** is calculated (usually using the Droop formula) for how many votes a candidate needs to win a seat.
* If a candidate exceeds the quota, their surplus votes are transferred to remaining candidates based on voters’ next preferences.
* If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes redistributed.
* This repeats until all seats are filled.
**Pros:**
* Highly proportional.
* Reflects voter preferences more precisely.
* Reduces "wasted" votes.
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### **2. Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) / Alternative Vote (AV)**
**Used in:** Australia (House of Representatives).
* **Single-member districts**.
* Voters **rank candidates**.
* If no candidate gets a majority (50%+), the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and their votes are redistributed.
* This continues until one candidate has a majority.
**Pros:**
* Promotes majority support.
* Discourages tactical voting.
* Helps minor parties and independents.
**Note:** While IRV isn't proportional like STV, it can still be part of a parliamentary system.
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### **3. Mixed Systems with Ranked Ballots**
Some proposals or hybrids may combine proportional representation (PR) with ranked ballots:
* Voters rank parties instead of candidates.
* Rankings help allocate seats in a proportional way (e.g., party-list PR using preferential ballots).
**Example (hypothetical or proposed):**
* Voters rank parties.
* A proportional formula (like Sainte-Laguë or D'Hondt) allocates seats.
* Rankings resolve tiebreakers or allow nuanced voter expression.
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### Summary Table
| Feature | STV | IRV/AV |
| -------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Seats per district | Multi-member | Single-member |
| Proportional? | Yes | No |
| Uses ranked ballots? | Yes | Yes |
| Example countries | Ireland, Malta | Australia (House of Reps) |
| Emphasis | Fair representation | Majority support |
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### Benefits of Ranked Choice in Parliamentary Systems
* **Greater voter satisfaction**: Voters can support preferred candidates without “wasting” their vote.
* **More nuanced representation**: Especially under STV, diverse views are better reflected.
* **Reduced polarization**: Encourages coalition-building and consensus candidates.
* **Minor parties**: Better chances of winning representation.
Would you like examples of election outcomes or simulations using ranked choice in a parliament?
