What is Proportional Representation?

About Proportional Representation:

• The Proportional Representation (PR) system ensures representation of all parties based on their vote share.
• The most commonly used PR system is the ‘party list PR’ where voters vote for the party (and not individual candidates) and then the parties get seats in proportion to their vote share.

First Past the Post System:

• India currently uses the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
• The FPTP system is simple and provides stability to the executive, but it can lead to unrepresentative governments.

Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR):

• To balance stability and proportionate representation, the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system can be considered.

Under MMPR, there is one candidate elected through FPTP from each territorial constituency, and additional seats are allocated to parties proportionally based on their vote share.

Q1. What is the strength of the Rajya Sabha?

The Rajya Sabha should consist of not more than 250 members – 238 members representing the States and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President. The Rajya Sabha currently has 245 members, including 233 elected members and 12 nominated.

Source: Is it time for proportional representation? | Explained

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