THE DEMOCRATIC QUINTET · REPRESENT
Should one voice carry the same weight as another?
The proposal
The model seeks to bring the distribution of seats closer to the distribution of votes, then address stability through a separate, limited mechanism.
L’objection
Greater proportionality can fragment representation and give small parties disproportionate bargaining power. Fidelity to the vote does not, of itself, produce accountable government.
The response to examine
The architecture combines a national threshold, pre-declared coalitions and a strictly bounded supplementary seat adjustment. These safeguards must be assessed together; their existence does not establish their adequacy.
The decisive test
Compare seats, possible coalitions and threshold effects across several elections. Publish the assumptions and examine outcomes unfavourable to the model as well.
The author’s contribution to the reform debate. These proposals are neither current law nor an official position of the CRC. The complete official versions submitted to the Commission remain withheld pending its deliberation.