National Proportional Representation Day

A diverse group of people of all ages and backgrounds happily casting their vote, dressed in casual attire, urban setting, with vibrant flags and banners.. — National proportional representation day illustration

Are you tired of your vote not counting? Well, get ready to celebrate National Proportional Representation Day!

When is Proportional Representation Day?

It's national proportional representation day on the 15th February.

A Brief History of Proportional Representation

Proportional representation is a voting system that aims to ensure that all political parties are fairly represented in government based on the percentage of votes they receive. It's a way to give everyone a voice and prevent elections from turning into a popularity contest.

The idea of proportional representation has been around for a while, but it gained significant popularity with the rise of the internet. People started using social media to voice their frustrations about the current voting system, and the call for change became louder and louder.

On February 15, 2016, the online world exploded with 41 mentions of proportional representation. It was clear that people were hungry for a fairer democracy.

Celebrating National Proportional Representation Day

On this special day, people come together to promote awareness of proportional representation and advocate for its implementation. You can join in the festivities by sharing informative posts on social media, attending local events, or even organizing your own awareness campaign.

Remember, knowledge is power! Educate yourself and others about the benefits of proportional representation. Spread the word like butter on toast!

History behind the term 'Proportional Representation'

1857

Emergence of the term 'proportional representation'

The term 'proportional representation' first emerged in 1857 in an article by Thomas Hare, an English barrister. Hare advocated for a voting system that would ensure fair representation based on the proportion of votes received by each political party or group. This proportional representation system aimed to give minority groups a voice in government, rather than the winner-takes-all approach of the traditional plurality system.

1878

Introduction of the Single Transferable Vote (STV)

In 1878, a mathematician and civil engineer named Henry Richmond Droop introduced the Single Transferable Vote (STV) as a method to implement proportional representation. The STV system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and those with enough support to reach a specific quota are elected. Surplus votes from elected candidates are then transferred to the remaining candidates based on voters' preferences. The STV system prevents wasted votes and ensures a proportional distribution of representation.

1893

First implementation of proportional representation

The first successful implementation of proportional representation occurred in 1893 in Tasmania, Australia. A reform movement called the People's Party led by Andrew Inglis Clark advocated for the adoption of a proportional representation voting system. As a result, Tasmania became the first place in the world to use proportional representation in parliamentary elections. This milestone marked a major turning point in democratizing electoral systems by providing more equitable representation to voters.

1944

Proportional representation in European countries

Following World War II, several European countries embraced proportional representation as a way to prevent the rise of extremist political movements and promote stability. In 1944, the Netherlands adopted a proportional representation system, which helped ensure a multi-party system and provided fair representation to diverse political groups. Other European countries, such as Belgium and Finland, also transitioned to proportional representation during this period, solidifying its place as a prevalent electoral system in the region.

1994

South Africa's proportional representation constitution

In 1994, after the end of apartheid, South Africa adopted a new constitution that included proportional representation as a fundamental aspect of its electoral system. The introduction of proportional representation was aimed at promoting inclusivity and ensuring fair representation for all racial and ethnic groups in the country. This landmark decision played a crucial role in fostering reconciliation and democracy in post-apartheid South Africa.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most successful country in terms of proportional representation is New Zealand? They have been using this system since 1996, and it has given smaller parties more influence in their government. No more feeling like the odd one out!