Proportional-first-past-the-post

Proportional-first-past-the-post (P-FPTP), also known as 50-point proportional representation or the 50-point system, is a mixed electoral system that uses a novel percentage point method[1][2][3] to allocate seats in its compensatory tiers, instead of party lists. It was proposed as a replacement to Canada's first-past-the-post voting system by Robert S. Ring in his 2014 Master's thesis[1] at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and was presented before the Canadian House of Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform on October 5, 2016.[3][2] In his thesis, Ring claims that it is an ideal electoral system for Canada as it balances the familiar elements of first-past-the-post with proportional representation, while maintaining a simple, candidate-centred approach.[1][2]

System Mechanics

Source:[1][2]

Single-member riding

  • Each party fields a maximum of two candidates per riding.
  • The party plurality winner in the riding secures the seat, with the top candidate from that party being elected.

Compensatory regional seats

  • The remaining half of the seats are allocated at the regional (and/or provincial) level based on the proportion of votes received in ridings.
  • Regions typically consist of 4–6 ridings, ensuring that proportionality is maintained while keeping regions small.
  • Seats are awarded using a percentage point method.
  • 1% of the vote in a riding equals 1 percentage point.
  • 50 percentage points equal one seat.
  • Parties that do not win a riding transfer all their points to the regional level.
  • Parties that win a riding with less than 50% of the vote transfer negative points, reducing their claim to regional seats.
  • Parties that win a riding with more than 50% of the vote transfer only their excess percentage points.
  • The most popular unelected candidates from each party, based on their percentage of votes in their respective ridings, receive regional seats.

National-level adjustment

  • Leftover points from regional allocations are transferred to a final, national tier.
  • Additional seats are again awarded at this stage for every 50 percentage points.
  • Only at this final stage, can any remaining seats be allocated with less than 50 percentage points.

Key features and advantages

Sources:[1][2][3]

  • No party lists: Unlike many proportional systems, the 50-point system does not use closed or open party lists; all seats are filled by individual candidates.
  • Minimal regional distortion compared to other proportional representation models: small provinces and rural areas receive fairer representation without requiring large regional constituencies.
  • Greater voter choice and gender equity: since parties run two candidates per riding, voters have greater choice while parties are naturally encouraged to nominate a diverse slate of candidates.
  • No artificial thresholds: unlike many proportional systems that impose a minimum vote share threshold, the 50-point system naturally limits smaller parties by requiring parties to run candidates to earn points.
  • Simplicity and transparency: the 50-point rule makes proportionality calculations straightforward and easier for voters to understand compared to other proportional representation formulas.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Ring, Robert S. (2014). Proportional-first-past-the-post: a Canadian model of proportional representation (Master's thesis). Memorial University of Newfoundland.
  2. ^ a b c d e Ring, Robert (2016). "Brief submitted to the House of Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform" (PDF). Parliament of Canada.
  3. ^ a b c "Evidence - ERRE (42-1) - No. 37 - House of Commons of Canada". www.ourcommons.ca. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
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