What Is An Open List System Of Election And What Are The Downsides To It?

An open list system is where the vote for an individual candidate and the party vote is determined by adding together all votes cast for the different candidates in that party. If the party wins one or more seats candidates are elected according to the number of votes they won. Then, the party with the most votes make up the executive.

The main criticism of this system is that the lists are drawn up by party headquarters. Voters therefore have no real choice over candidates. Some issues within politics, especially domestic moral matters, are traditionally a free vote for most parties. It means that voters opposed to abortion or euthanasia, for instance, have to find out how the individual candidates in their constituency are planning to vote on such matters. But under the list system, this is made increasingly difficult as the electorate is unsure as to which candidate will represent them.