In this system multiple candidates are elected through preferentially-ordered placements on an electoral list
Each party makes lists of candidates to be elected, and the seats go to each party proportionately to the number of votes the party receives.
Voters may vote directly for the party, like in Israel, or for the list of candidates, such as in Hong Kong.
The ‘closed’ part of the name ‘closed regional list system’ means that the order in which a party’s candidates get elected from the list, may be pre-determined by an internal method to the party. The party leader ranks the candidates.
An open list system just means it may be determined by the voters at large.
To gain seats, you must receive a minimum number of votes. This is called the threshold. If you do not get above the threshold your seats are shared between other parties.
NEXT SLIDE
The country is divided into regions
In each region the parties produce lists of candidates
The voters are invited to vote for one of the lists Seats are awarded to each party in exact proportion to the votes cast If a party wins, say 40% of the total votes, the top 40% of its candidates on the list are elected
In some cases, including the UK elections to the EU parliament, a small adjustment is made depending on the performance of parties at the previous election
In a closed system, voters have no influence as to which individuals are elected off the list, the order of the list is determined the party leader
There is normally a threshold of 1-5%, which a party must win to gain any seats.
NEXT SLIDE
Party-list systems guarantee a high degree of party proportionality.
Every vote has equal value. So it is a socially representative system.
Voters have to make one choice out of a small selection.
List systems tend to involve large multi-member constituencies, which give more opportunities for women and minority