Changes

It has the advantage that the views of the electorate are more clearly expressed at the ballot box. For example, if under a "first-past-the-post" system a party wins 80 of 100 seats, by a small margin (say 51% to 49% per constituency), then they will hold 80% of the seats, despite garnering only 51% of the vote, leaving many voters feeling disenfranchised. Under proportional representation, they would still have won the election, but with broader representation from voters who did not support the winning party (in this case 51 seats to 49 seats).  

It has the advantage that the views of the electorate are more clearly expressed at the ballot box. For example, if under a "first-past-the-post" system a party wins 80 of 100 seats, by a small margin (say 51% to 49% per constituency), then they will hold 80% of the seats, despite garnering only 51% of the vote, leaving many voters feeling disenfranchised. Under proportional representation, they would still have won the election, but with broader representation from voters who did not support the winning party (in this case 51 seats to 49 seats).  

The disadvantage of this is that there is less accountability between elected representatives and their constituencies. This is due to the fact that "election lists" are drawn up by the political parties themselves and there is no opportunity for unhappy voters to vote out non-performing representatives.<ref>http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/sou3.htm</ref>

The disadvantage of this is that there is less accountability between elected representatives and their constituencies. This is due to the fact that, in many countries, "election lists" are drawn up by the political parties themselves and there is little opportunity for unhappy voters to vote out non-performing representatives.<ref>http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/sou3.htm</ref>

Other advantages include the fact that fewer votes might be spoilt, as every vote counts and there are no "safe" constituencies and minority parties stand a greater chance of representation. However, it also demands a far greater level of voter knowledge and participation, which could discourage potential voters.

Other advantages include the fact that fewer votes might be spoilt, as every vote counts and there are no "safe" constituencies and minority parties stand a greater chance of representation. However, it also demands a far greater level of voter knowledge and participation, which could discourage potential voters.