Enkeltdistrikt

Enkeltdistrikt, in English often translated as single-member district, is an electoral district that elects exactly one representative to a legislative body. The district’s geographic boundaries are drawn to represent a portion of the electorate, with the aim that population size is roughly equal to other districts in the system.

Voting in enkeltdistrikt tends to follow a first-past-the-post or a two-round system, depending on the jurisdiction. In first-past-the-post, the candidate with the most votes wins, even without an absolute majority. In two-round systems, a second round may be required if no candidate reaches a specified threshold.

Compared with multimember districts, enkeltdistrikt generally produces a winner-takes-all outcome for the district and tends to emphasize local accountability and geographic representation. However, it can distort overall party proportionality, as a party can win the most seats without capturing a majority of votes nationwide.

Globally, countries employ single-member districts in various forms: the United Kingdom and Canada use single-member constituencies for lower houses with first-past-the-post; the United States uses congressional districts; India uses Lok Sabha constituencies. Some jurisdictions mix single-member districts with proportional representation in different chambers or levels of government.

Critics point to risks of malapportionment and gerrymandering, where district boundaries are drawn to favor certain parties or groups. Proponents argue that enkeltdistrikt can create clear accountability and closer links between representatives and constituents.

See also: electoral district, single-member district, first-past-the-post, two-round system.