Proportional representation

FOR AGAINST
1 Minority parties represented 1 Extremist parties represented

Coalition governments can be weak and indecisive. Italy dissolved parliament 7

2 Larger parties less dominant 2 times in 40 years.

Compromise not always ideal. Eg. Thatcher trade union reforms or Blair's
3 Power sharing. Current system - all power to one party. 3 improvement to public services unlikely with coalition.

"First past post" means MP's represent constituency campaigned in. More likely
4 All votes count. Avoid focus on swing voters in marginal seats 4 tackle local issues.

5 Higher turnout at polls.

Solid centrist policies. Rare to get one party majority, so requires compromise and
6 consensus

Proportional representation used by majority of world's leading democracies.

Only UK, USA, India, Canada and France not using.

UK use for European elections and London Mayor.

Source:
Read more: http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/48811,news-comment,news-politics,pros-and-cons-proportional-representation-pr-first-past-the-post-electoral-reform-vote#ixzz0mgRXkkxm