18 April 2011
The alternative vote system would better suit electorate trends but would not increase ballot box turnout, according to a report from the Institute for Public Policy Research.
The think-tank’s findings, published today, come ahead of the May 5 referendum on whether to change the Westminster electoral system from first-past-the-post to the alternative vote.
According to the IPPR, an AV system would better reflect the fact that British voters are no longer loyal to only one political party and are happy to express more than one preference of candidate. It would also reduce tactical voting and make elections more competitive.
But changing the system would not increase voter turnout or eliminate ‘safe’ seats.
Some 60% of voters believe their views are represented by more than one political party, according to an IPPR poll of 2,199 adults. Half of the respondents believed there would be less tactical voting under the AV system.
IPPR director Nick Pearce said: ‘AV is not a proportional system and it will not increase voter turnout but it is a better system than first-past-the-post at reflecting the pluralism of the modern electorate. There is no such thing as a perfect electoral system but AV will make politics more competitive and make politicians appeal for votes from a wider section of society.
‘It suits the modern British electorate better because voters have become less tribal and more promiscuous in the way they want to vote.’
The report, The right alternative? Assessing the casefor the alternative vote, also shows AV will not lead to permanent coalition governments.
Pearce added: ‘AV creates more uncertainty, which is good for democracy. But AV will not lead to permanent coalition, nor will the LibDems be made the king-makers of British politics. Hung Parliaments are here to stay, whether we elect them under AV or first-past-the-post.’
Holding a referendum on AV was a major concession sought in the coalition deal by the LibDems, who would ideally want proportional representation. The move is being fiercely opposed by the Conservatives, with Prime Minister David Cameron today even joining forcing with former Labour home secretary John Reid to argue against it.
LibDem Business Secretary Vince Cable and Labour leader Ed Miliband have teamed up together to campaign for the change.
