Proportional Representation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Proportional Representation - Essay Example It took different shapes in different countries. While examining its relevance in Canada, one must analyze its nature in some countries like United Kingdom and Germany. MMP is partially implemented in United Kingdom and is commonly known as the additional member system (AMS). Similarly, in Germany it is called as personalized proportional representation. Different theories emerged during last five years regarding the pros and cons of mixed member proportional voting system. However, it is relevant in the present context to examine the views of some authors like John L. Hiemstra, Harold J. Jensen, Christopher Kam, Mark Charlton and Paul Barker regarding the prospects of implementing mixed member proportional representation in Canada (Mark Charlton and Paul Barker. 2005). John L. Hiemstra and Harold J. Jensen opined that the implementation of mixed member representation system certainly benefits the democratic set up of Canada as it allows better representation of higher number of people while progressing towards people’s development. However, they felt that the minor modifications in the existing MMP by taking the experience of some countries like South Africa, Venezuela, New Zealand and Bolivia where MMP is already in practice. By implementing the positive aspects of MMP, Canada would certainly get benefited significantly and the voters would be in a position to derive maximum benefit from democracy. At the same time, more favoring comments from Christopher Kam (2006) encourages the government functionaries of Canada to implement this MMP system immediately with out any second thought. They further pointed out the limitations of the existing voting system in the form of non-uniform representation and hence favored electoral reforms immediately in the form of MMP. However, they cautioned that the people’s awareness regarding the structure of MMP should be enhanced,