Vaalimenetelmiä

Vaalimenetelmiä refers to the various systems and rules used to translate votes cast in an election into seats allocated to candidates or parties. These methods aim to ensure fair representation and reflect the will of the electorate as accurately as possible. Different vaalimenetelmiä exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method can significantly influence election outcomes.

Common categories of vaalimenetelmiä include majority systems and proportional representation systems. In majority systems, the candidate or party with the most votes wins, either in a single-member district (plurality) or by securing an absolute majority of votes (majority). Proportional representation systems, on the other hand, aim to allocate seats in proportion to the total votes received by each party. This can be achieved through various formulas and threshold requirements.

Within proportional representation, there are list systems where voters choose a party list, and some forms of mixed-member proportional representation that combine elements of both majority and proportional systems. The specific details, such as how votes are counted, how seats are allocated, and whether there are electoral thresholds, vary greatly between countries and even within different types of elections in the same country. The design of a vaalimenetelmä is a crucial aspect of democratic governance, impacting party competition, voter turnout, and the stability of governments.