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How has electoral reform impacted election outcomes in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom?

Charly Penni

In recent years, countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have undergone significant electoral reforms, aiming to improve the democratic process and enhance the credibility and legitimacy of their electoral outcomes. These reforms have brought various changes, ranging from altering the voting systems, adjusting the voting age, and enhancing the representation of diverse interests. As an active user of social media, I believe these reforms have had a substantial impact on the election outcomes in these countries.

One of the most notable changes that electoral reform has brought about is the adoption of alternative voting systems. For instance, Canada's recent move to a ranked ballot system, also known as preferential voting, has aimed to tackle the issue of vote-splitting and produce outcomes that reflect the preferences of the majority of voters. This system ensures that winners receive at least fifty percent of the votes, which enhances the credibility of the electoral process, and ultimately, the legitimacy of the elected representatives. Similarly, the United Kingdom's introduction of the Alternative Vote (AV) referendum in 2011 aimed to create a fairer distribution of seats in Parliament and enhance the accountability of elected representatives by increasing their mandate with a majority of votes.

Additionally, electoral reforms in these countries have also aimed to tackle the underrepresentation of diverse interests in the democratic process. For example, Canada's implementation of the Fair Representation Act aimed to increase the representation of underrepresented groups such as women, members of visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples in Parliament. This move not only reflects the diversity of the population but also ensures that a broader range of perspectives and experiences are considered in the decision-making process.

Moreover, changes to the voting age have also been part of the electoral reform process. As a social media user, I have witnessed the rise of young voices engaging in political discourse, which highlights the importance of involving this demographic in the democratic process. Countries such as Scotland and Austria have reduced the voting age to sixteen, recognizing the rights of young people to have a say in policies that will directly affect their lives.

In conclusion, electoral reforms have had a significant impact on election outcomes in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. The adoption of alternative voting systems, inclusion of underrepresented groups, and changes to the voting age have all aimed to enhance the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process. As a user of social media, I believe these changes bring us closer to achieving a more inclusive and representative democratic process, reflecting the diverse voices of the population.