What Is The Single Transferable Vote System Of Election?

This system is based on the notion that votes should be given to particular candidates rather than parties. A country is divided into multi-member constituencies and parties can put up as many candidates as there are seats in the constituency. Voters can rank their choice of candidate in order of preference or they can just vote for one or two candidates.

Seats are allocated according to a set quota system. If any candidate reaches the quota on first preference, then they are elected. If any candidate receives more first preference votes than required by the quota, than the surplus votes are redistributed to the voters' preference in a proportional system. Redistribution may allow other candidates to reach the quota. If more than one candidate gains more votes than are needed, the second preferences of that candidate are redistributed in the same way. If seats remained unfilled after this, the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated and that candidate's second preference are redistributed. The process continues until all seats are filled.