Single member plurality electoral system (SMPS) is expected to produce a two-party system and has many advantages including simplicity and providing a direct link between constituents and their representatives. However, its utility is debatable in polities that experience fragmentation of the party system. SMPS can also exaggerate disproportionality between votes and seats especially in multi-party systems. Using a large dataset, Dr Rekha will analyse the workings of SMPS in India, and discuss whether it is producing expected outcomes and if there is a need for reform.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Rekha Diwakar is Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Sussex, UK. She holds MSc in Public Administration & Public Policy, MRes and PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her research interests include Indian politics and public policy, comparative politics, especially electoral competition, electoral and party systems, voting behaviour, and research methods in political science.
This talk is mandatory for students of POLT 336 & 636.
