Understanding Proportional Electoral Formulas and Thresholds
Proportional Electoral Formulas
Proportional electoral formulas aim to distribute seats proportionally to the votes received by each competing force in a constituency. This system helps to avoid inequalities and ensures that each political party’s representation aligns with its actual support.
In our electoral system, achieving perfect proportional representation is challenging. The legislature could choose between various organic formulas that offer proportionality, but currently, the Dhondt formula is used. Let’s examine these formulas:
Single Transferable Vote Formula
With the single transferable vote formula, each voter has a single vote that is initially awarded to their preferred candidate. However, this vote can be transferred to other candidates if the first-choice candidate has already secured enough votes for a seat. Voters indicate their preferred order of candidates on the ballot to facilitate potential vote transfers.
Votes are distributed and counted until all seats are filled, provided that elected candidates have exceeded the required quota.
Formulas with Voting List
Formulas with a voting list involve voters choosing between lists of candidates, typically closed and blocked. Voters express their support for the proposals put forth by competing political forces.
Voting lists can be further classified as:
A) Methods of the Highest Averages
- Dhondt Formula: The first operation involves successively dividing the results obtained by each candidate by 1, 2, 3, and so on, up to the total number of seats to be distributed in the constituency. The resulting ratios determine the distribution of seats, with the highest ratios receiving seats first until all seats are allocated.
- Sainct-Lague Formula (Norway-Sweden): This formula uses only odd divisors (1.4, 3, 5, etc.). This modification aims to reduce the advantage that the Dhondt formula provides to larger parties, thus benefiting medium-sized parties.
The Electoral Barrier or Threshold
The electoral barrier, cap, or threshold is the minimum percentage of votes required for parties or federations to obtain representation. It ensures that represented parties have a minimum level of support and prevents excessive fragmentation in Parliament, a common issue in proportional systems that can lead to unstable governments.
The barrier can be applied globally to the entire electoral constituency or to specific electoral areas. It can be calculated based on all votes cast or only valid votes.
Electoral Thresholds in Spain
In Spain’s electoral process, the following thresholds are established:
- Congress: A minimum of 3% of valid votes in each constituency.
- Local Elections: A minimum of 5% of valid votes in each constituency.
- Senate: No electoral barrier.
Regional election laws have more complex and varied provisions regarding electoral thresholds.
However, despite the existence of different electoral thresholds, they do not always function as intended. Often, they are ineffective because seats are distributed before reaching parties that have obtained percentages higher than the minimum required to qualify for the allocation.